Earlier this week, I outlined four potential trade scenarios the New York Yankees could explore to strengthen their roster and solidify their position atop the American League. One trade, in particular, stood out as the most logical fit: a blockbuster deal with the San Diego Padres that would bring both Michael King and Luis Arráez to the Bronx.
The proposed trade looks like this:
Yankees receive: RHP Michael King, INF Luis Arráez
Padres receive: OF Spencer Jones, RHP Ben Hess, RHP Cade Smith
The Padres may be motivated to move expiring contracts in exchange for future assets. A deal centered around MLB-ready outfielder Spencer Jones could be compelling enough for San Diego to part ways with King and Arráez. While Hess and Smith are promising pitching prospects, they’re still developing and not quite ready for the majors yet.
For the Yankees, acquiring Arráez would allow them to plug him in at second base while moving Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to third, where he played last season. Even more valuable, Arráez would bring elite contact hitting to the top of the lineup ahead of Aaron Judge. On the pitching side, adding Michael King would be a major boost to a thin rotation. Having previously pitched in New York, King wouldn’t need much time to readjust to the Bronx spotlight. With Gerrit Cole sidelined for the season, King could slide in as a frontline starter.
