Yankees Eye Trade Deadline: Three Untouchable Prospects Revealed!

Dunedin, New Zealand - The New York Yankees are gearing up for the upcoming trade deadline, with General Manager Brian Cashman confirming that the team will play the role of buyers. As he skims through the potential market, Cashman emphasizes the need to retain key prospects, especially those who could shape the team’s future for years to come. However, it’s clear that trading some valuable players will be necessary to enhance the current roster. In this context, three specific prospects have been singled out as untouchable, reinforcing the Yankees‘ strategic ambitions for the second half of the season.

The Untouchables

According to Fansided, the Yankees are not willing to part with George Lombard Jr., Cam Schlittler, and Ben Hess. Lombard, in particular, stands out as the team’s consensus No. 1 prospect. His recent performance at the Futures Game was impressive, showcasing his skills with a walk, a steal, and a double. At just 20 years old, many scouts consider him a future All-Star shortstop, prompting speculation that he could fill a gap created by Anthony Volpe’s ongoing struggles. With such potential, Lombard is likely to remain with the team unless a generational star becomes available for trade.

Cam Schlittler, while not an elite prospect, has made his mark as a reliable pitcher capable of providing valuable innings. His recent call-up to the majors demonstrates the Yankees‘ trust in his abilities, underlining the need to keep him for pitching depth. Likewise, Ben Hess is deemed critical to the organization’s future, regarded as the best starting pitching prospect with the potential to become a solid No. 2 or No. 3 MLB starter. The Yankees clearly understand that retaining Hess is vital to their long-term pitching strategy.

Lombard’s Rising Stock

As highlighted by Heavy, Lombard’s status as an „untouchable“ prospect is not only due to his performance but also because he is viewed as one of the best shortstop prospects in the league. An anonymous scout even suggested that Lombard has superior fielding skills compared to Volpe. Despite his mixed performance stats, such as a .983 OPS in High-A and a batting average of .202 in Double-A, the organization sees immense potential in him. Other prospects like Spencer Jones and Bryce Cunningham might be available for the right trade, but Lombard’s position seems secure.

Team Dynamics and Trade Considerations

As the Yankees look to improve, the team is faced with various decisions regarding their roster. Brendan Kuty, following a Q&A with The Athletic, rated the Yankees‘ aggressiveness at the trade deadline an impressive 8.5 out of 10. While the front office is tentatively considering trades for players like Trent Grisham, they are keenly aware of the tough choices ahead. Kuty also mentioned that the Yankees might struggle to present a competitive offer for coveted players, such as Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, should he become available. Meanwhile, speculation continues regarding the potential trades of players like Ryan McMahon, who is currently navigating his own hitting woes.

In sum, while the Yankees are committed to improving their lineup ahead of the trade deadline, the focus on retaining key prospects illustrates a balancing act between immediate performance and long-term success. As the landscape of Major League Baseball shifts, all eyes will be on whether Cashman can navigate these challenges while keeping the future of the franchise in mind.