ESPN: Los Yankees contratan a un primer base preferido de los Yankees por $3 millones para reemplazar a Anthony Rizzo.

The New York Yankees have a 52-28 record, which keeps them among the best teams in baseball even after they have lost three of their previous ten games. But the Bombers need to solve a problem at first base as the trade deadline of July 30 draws nearer. This is especially true now that Anthony Rizzo is not playing. Andrew Vaughn of the Chicago White Sox, a first baseman, might be the answer.

On June 22, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com talked about the possible matches for 13 of the top trade candidates. He mentioned the Yankees, Houston Astros, and Seattle Mariners as three organizations that would be interested in signing Vaughn as he was arguing his case.

The White Sox may not be willing to deal with Vaughn, who is 26 years old, according to Feinsand, as he is not expected to become a free agent like Paul DeJong is. However, considering that Vaughn is making $3.25 million this season and will be eligible for arbitration for two more years following 2024, the first baseman might be one of Chicago’s more fascinating trade assets.

With 297 plate appearances, Vaughn’s OPS of.681 is significantly less than the.735 he scored in his previous three big-league seasons. But he also just finished 2023 with career-high totals of RBI (80) and home homers (21).

Vaughn’s Season Has Recently Turned Around
In 2024, it was not anticipated that the White Sox would be a postseason contender. After a 3–21 start to the regular season, they wasted little time in ensuring that was unchangeable. That places them as a seller with several attractive players potentially available right in the middle of the trade deadline. Apart from Vaughn, there have been rumors circulating about Garrett Crochet and Luis Robert Jr.

Vaughn had a terrible start to the batting season. The right-handed bat has only slashed.183/.241/.230 through his first 34 games (137 plate appearances), with six extra-base hits (all doubles), seven RBI, and seven runs scored. Over the course of the 38 games that followed, he has played more like himself. In 160 plate appearances, Vaughn hit.293/.338/.520 with nine home runs, 28 RBI, and 19 runs scored.

It’s probably unclear if Chicago will actually make Vaughn accessible over the next several weeks, given previous circumstances. And the most of it is related to his existing contract situation. Feinsand pointed out that he will only make $3.25 million in 2024 and that the team will control him through 2026. Chris Getz, general manager of the White Sox, waited all winter to acquire the package he desired in exchange for Dylan Cease. Opposing teams are also certain that Chicago isn’t in a rush to deal Robert, according to The Athletic. He still has a number of years left on his current contract to play.

Given past events, it’s probably uncertain if Chicago will truly make Vaughn accessible over the course of the next few weeks. And the most of it has to do with his current contract circumstances. Feinsand emphasized that the organization will retain ownership over him until 2026 and that he will only earn $3.25 million in 2024. White Sox general manager Chris Getz had been waiting all winter to obtain the package he wanted in return for Dylan Cease. The Athletic claims that opposing teams are aware that Chicago is not in a hurry to deal Robert. He still has several years remaining on his current playing contract.

That would suggest that the Yankees would probably be looking to trade for a proven first baseman. Slugger Pete Alonso of the New York Mets is being considered. Though that wouldn’t square with the story that Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner hopes to see his salary fall below $300 million in the near future. Getting someone like Vaughn could address a number of problems. In addition to giving Cashman a cheap option going forward, he would give the team an offensive boost for 2024. Additionally, it would allow the Yankees to pursue Juan Soto with more financial flexibility.

Vaughn appears to fit the Bombers’ current needs in a number of ways. It will be interesting to see if Chicago takes him seriously and how interested they are.