Yankees trade rumors: Alex Rios possibly targeted as backup plan for Alfonso Soriano

With news that talks between the Yankees and Cubs about sending Alfonso Soriano to New York have stalled over a difference in how much money each side will be expected to pay, the Yankees have possibly turned to targeting White Sox outfielder Alex Rios in case their plans for Soriano fall through. Brian Cashman was in attendance for last night's White Sox/Tigers game.

Jon Heyman wrote earlier that the Yankees had previously inquired about Rios, but were turned off by the fact that Chicago wanted them to pick up the entirety of $12.5 million owed to the right-hander for the rest of 2013 and for 2014. In 94 games for the White Sox this season, Rios has a .277/.331/.443 batting line with 12 home runs. Rios has been better against lefties than righties this season, but above-average against both with a 132 wRC+ and a 102 wRC+, respectively. The Yankees need offense in the worst way, particularly from the right side of the plate and Rios would fill that need.

At 32 years old, Rios is younger than Soriano by five years. That might make taking him on for the next year and a half more palatable, even if not by much. Neither Rios or Soriano alone would be enough to get the struggling Yankees offense over the hump, but it would be a good first step toward boosting the biggest weakness on the team.

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