New Trade Idea Sees Red Sox Rival Acquire Elly De La Cruz originally appeared on NESN.
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The Boston Red Sox are still trying to get on track and make the postseason, but one of their rivals is currently one of the best teams in baseball, looking to add pieces to help them win the World Series.
The New York Yankees are 40-26, fighting for the American League East title. However, despite their success, their roster still has some holes. Shortstop is a spot where the Yankees could use an upgrade. José Caballero filled in nicely at shortstop for Anthony Volpe while he was hurt. Volpe is back and getting more run at shortstop.
While Caballero is a solid option if Volpe does not show signs of improvement, the Yankees may feel pressure to acquire a star. Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds is one of the most exciting players in the game and would instantly make the Yankees one of the favorites to win it all. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller proposed this trade to make De La Cruz a Yankee:
- Reds receive: IF George Lombard Jr., RHP Carlos Lagrange, OF Spencer Jones and RHP Chase Hampton
- Yankees receive: Elly De La Cruz
The Reds made the postseason last year, but were 11-22 in May. The Reds are in last place in the National League Central and 9 1/2 games out of the division lead. Making the wild card in the National League this year will be difficult as well.
“So, if the Reds were to continue on their current trajectory (11-22 record since May 1) and end up as deadline sellers, could we be headed for something absolutely massive like the Juan Soto trade in 2022 or the Mason Miller swap this past summer?” wrote Miller.
The Reds offered De La Cruz an extension that would have been the largest in franchise history before the 2025 season. He obviously did not sign it, so if the Reds feel like he will eventually walk, they could swap him for a haul. Lombard is the Yankees’ top prospect and the No. 18 prospect in baseball. He could be the shortstop of the future for the Reds.
Lagrange is also a Top 100 prospect, and Jones is the Yankees’ No. 6 prospect and has already made his MLB debut. Hampton is another Top 10 prospect for the Yankees. The Reds could land four controllable players in exchange for De La Cruz, as they continue to look for ways to become a consistent contender.
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