MLB trade rumors: Ex-Oriole Danny Valencia to Yankees makes too much sense

by Felix Pantaleón

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman would be wise to consider signing former Orioles infielder Danny Valencia, who was recently released by Baltimore. Valencia could be a valuable bat for manager Aaron Boone to use against some of the best left-handed pitchers in the game, including the Boston Red Sox’s Chris Sale and David Price.

The MLB waiver trade deadline is fast approaching, which means time is running out for Yankees general manager Brian Cashman to upgrade his roster before the stretch run.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal has an intriguing idea for Cashman to consider:

Know who would make sense for #Yankees? Danny Valencia, just released by #Orioles. Valencia .873 OPS vs. LHPs in 125 PAs this season. NYY lineup today against #Rays LHP Blake Snell includes Neal Walker (.510 OPS vs. lefties, 59 PAs) and Shane Robinson (.484 OPS overall, 34 PAs).

Ah, typo here – it’s NEIL Walker, of course! (Full disclosure: Can’t blame auto-correct; I’ve had a mental block on this for Walker’s entire career).

Yankees report card 3/4 way through the season

The Orioles had wanted to trade Valencia, but couldn’t find any takers. The infielder had seen his playing time plummet this month as Baltimore commits to playing its younger players.

Valencia comes with two thumbs up from his former Orioles skipper, per the Baltimore Sun:

With a .303/.368/.505 slash line against left-handers this season, Valencia can offer a contending team a strong bat off the bench.

Manager Buck Showalter said last week he believed the Orioles would be able to trade Valencia, but the club was unable to find a partner.

“I’m sure there will be some interest now that that’s flushed out,” Showalter said Wednesday. “I’d be surprised if Danny wasn’t playing again shortly, for somebody.”

The Yankees could face some of the best left-handed pitchers in baseball once the playoffs begin, including the Boston Red Sox’s Chris Sale and David Price and the Houston Astros‘ Dallas Keuchel.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.