MLB trade rumors: 3 waiver targets for Yankees' Brian Cashman

by Felix Pantaleón

The MLB waiver deadline is August 31, 2018 (8/31/18). Yankees general manager Brian Cashman already added pitchers J.A. Happ, Lance Lynn and Zach Britton to a club which leads the American League Wild Card race.

Despite being swept by the first-place Boston Red Sox over the weekend, the Yankees remain very much in the thick of the playoff race.

At 69-42, the Yankees are in control of the top wild card spot in the American League.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman knows his team will improve with the return of right fielder Aaron Judge (broken wrist) and catcher Gary Sanchez (groin strain). But both players remain on the disabled list with no firm return date.

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With that in mind, Cashman could make a few moves before the waiver deadline on August 31st to bolster his club’s postseason chances.

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden identified three players who could find their way to the Bronx:

Ervin Santana, RHP, Minnesota Twins

The right-hander has made only two starts since returning from finger surgery, making it impossible for the Twins to move him before July 31. However, if he can put together three or four solid starts, and makes it on waivers to a contending team like the Mariners, Athletics or Yankees, he could be a difference-maker come September. Remember, Santana had an ERA of 3.32 the last two years for the Twins.

Adam Jones, CF, Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles reportedly had a deal in place with the Philadelphia Phillies for Jones at the trade deadline, but Jones made it clear that he would exercise his 10-and-5 rights and nix any trade. Jones loves Baltimore, where his home and charity is. Even if, after thinking about things for another month, he were to change his mind and accept a deal, it’s unlikely he would get another chance to go to the Phillies, the team that tried to trade for him in July. Probably a team like the Indians or Yankees could put in a claim to either block to try to acquire him. Jones is still a .280 hitter, .310 on-base percentage player still capable of 20 home runs, but probably needs to move to right field going forward.

Jose Bautista, OF, New York Mets

Bautista is still drawing walks and showing occasional pop, which makes it possible that he could add another team to his resume. The Yankees reportedly demonstrated some interest after losing both Gary Sanchez and Aaron Judge to the disabled list.

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