The Yankees were prompted to trade for Brent Rooker to replace Alex Verdugo

The New York Yankees are going through a tough time. Outside of Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Yankees offense is starting to struggle. Alex Verdugo started the season strong, but has slumped to .226/.261/.368 since May 8th. With the trade deadline on July 30, the Yankees could look to replace him. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller suggested Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics as an option to boost the offense.

“He doesn’t impact the offense as much as second base and third base, but he’s basically a replacement-level player for whom there are quite a few interesting replacement options,” Miller wrote of Verdugo.

After starting the season 49-21, the Yankees had the best record in baseball on June 12. However, they have the worst record in baseball over their last 23 games (6-17). While they rank first in runs this season, the Yankees are 19th in July.

Brent Rooker could give the Yankees offense a boost

“Oakland’s best slugger has served primarily as a DH this season, but has played the corner outfield quite a bit in his career,” Miller wrote. Even if he’s a step away from Verdugo with the glove in left, no one will care at all if he brings his .891 OPS with him to the Yankees.”

Rooker made 117 starts in the corner outfield in his career. With Stanton serving as the primary DH, Rooker would likely play left field if the Yankees were to acquire him. However, his ability at the plate is what would really benefit the team.

Rooker would be a long-term addition to the Yankees as he is arbitration eligible for three more years. The Yankees “would have to part with some serious capital to get him,” Miller wrote.

Rooker was named an All-Star in 2023 with 30 home runs, an .817 OPS and 69 RBI. Last season he had a .246 batting average and a 127 OPS+ in 137 games. This season he has raised his average to .282 and already has 55 RBI.

Rooker’s .903 OPS would be third on the Yankees behind Judge and Soto. The current OPS no. 3 of the team belongs to Giancarlo Stanton. Stanton is on the injured list and has a .795 OPS.

“Anyway, it would be fun to add him to the mix even if Giancarlo Stanton comes back from IL.”

Rooker will be a popular name at the trade deadline. Many teams could try to poach the All-Star from the struggling Ai. The Philadelphia Phillies are keeping a close eye on him,” according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.

Brian Cashman on the trade deadline

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed the team will “be open to a lot of different things” before the July 30 trade deadline.

“We certainly have areas for improvement and we will do our best to do so.” Cashman told reporters on July 9.

In 2022, the Yankees started 61-23 before playing under .500 the rest of the way. They were eventually swept by the eventual World Series champion Houston Astros. This season could be the same if the Yankees don’t turn things around.

“Luckily, we came out really strong, so hopefully that cushion will allow us to get through it, hopefully sooner rather than later, because it’s been going on long enough,” Cashman said.

In 2022, the Yankees tried to right the ship with the acquisitions of Andrew Benintendi, Frankie Montas and Harrison Bader. Those additions didn’t pan out, but the Yankees will have a similar opportunity to boost a declining team this season.

“We have to think our way through it ourselves and then hopefully we can add some outside pieces that will benefit us at some point,” Cashman said.