Reasons why a trade of Trevor Story to the Yankees would make the most sense.
All serious contenders are likely to add pitchers before the July 31 deadline, because every team could use a rotation or bullpen upgrade and there is likely to be a plethora of arms available.
But the market for position players is much more niche, and many contenders often overlook an available star because they don’t have a need at that particular spot. Which brings us to the complicated circumstances surrounding the best piece of the summer – Rockies shortstop Trevor Story.
He hasn’t received the media attention of other bullpen players, such as Javier Baez of the Cubs or Carlos Correa of the Astros. But there is broad consensus among the sport’s evaluators that Story is one of the best players in the game, and he’s on track to receive a big contract in free agency next winter.
“I love everything about Trevor Story,” said one veteran scout. “I love everything about him: his defense, his power, the way he plays. Everything.”
During the offseason, former Colorado general manager Jeff Bridich informed interested teams that Rockies owners would not approve a trade for Story. Rather, the organization’s main hope was to keep Story and build a base around him after trading Nolan Arenado (to the Cardinals, as it turned out). But there is no long-term deal with Story, and it’s considered a fait accompli that, at some point, interim general manager Bill Schmidt will get approval to move Story.
But to where?
The options may be extremely limited, which isn’t to say they won’t get a nice prospect bounty for a coveted All-Star torpedo who could be a difference-maker in the second half and postseason.
But consider what baseball’s favorites already have:
The Dodgers have a shortstop: Corey Seager.
The Braves have a shortstop: Dansby Swanson.
The Phillies have Didi Gregorius , in the first year of a multi-season contract.
Red Sox: Xander Bogaerts.
Giants: Brandon Crawford , in the final year of his current contract.
White Sox: Tim Anderson.
Cardinals: Paul DeJong at shortstop and Arenado at third.
Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr.
Blue Jays: Bo Bichette.
Nationals: Trea Turner.
Mets: Francisco Lindor, a player they just invested $341 million in.
If the Astros stay in contention, they would keep Correa. If the Cubs continue their recent success, they get Baez.
If the Rays need help in the box, they’ll likely turn to superstar prospect Wander Franco, and beyond that, Story will make $17.5 million this season, which could put him out of the price range of teams like Tampa Bay, Cleveland and Oakland, small-market franchises historically reluctant to agree to spend big money during the season.
When going through this exercise on a team-by-team basis, one club stands out above all others as a potential suitor because it has the most significant need while also having the ability to pay the high price: the New York Yankees.
Gleyber Torres is their shortstop, but he has had his struggles in the outfield over the past two years, and there is an assumption among rival executives that the Yankees will be willing to take Torres elsewhere sometime soon, perhaps in 2022, perhaps sooner, if there is an alternative. Story would be an excellent upgrade, someone who is batting .294 now, with a .368 slugging percentage and an adjusted OPS+ of 130.
The Yankees lineup leans heavily to the right and Story, a right-handed hitter, would not help with that problem. However, Story would improve the lineup.
One potential hurdle, beyond the Rockies’ asking price on prospects: the Yankees front office apparently is under orders from owner Hal Steinbrenner to stay below the $210 million luxury tax threshold. To get Story, Steinbrenner would have to loosen his pocketbook, and now that there are fans in the stands and there is a growing sense of normalcy as more customers are vaccinated, perhaps he would give the go-ahead, or the Yankees would have to ask the Rockies to pay Story’s salary in exchange for a higher return in prospects. Given the huge rebuilding project the Rockies have, it should be difficult for the owners to give the go-ahead to do so.
The Yankees aren’t necessarily the only option. The Reds could need a shortstop. And some contender could acquire Story and temporarily move him or a starter to third base, just as the Yankees did when they moved Alex Rodriguez to third base because of Derek Jeter’s presence. There is speculation that the Rangers have their eye on Story, a Texas native. Even out of contention, they could execute a trade and sign Story.
The Yankees aren’t necessarily the only option. The Reds could need a shortstop. And some contender could acquire Story and temporarily move him or a starter to third base, just as the Yankees did when they moved Alex Rodriguez to third base because of Derek Jeter’s presence. There is speculation that the Rangers have their eye on Story, a Texas native. Even out of contention, they could execute a trade and sign Story.
