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Rumors connecting the Yankees to White Sox outfielder Alex Rios started days ago when it was reported that the team viewed him as a backup plan in case their deal for Alfonso Soriano from the Cubs fell through. After reports earlier today claimed that the Pirates were on the verge of acquiring Rios were said to not be close after all, MLB.com's White Sox beat writer says that the Yankees are throwing their hats in the ring once more.
Yankees have renewed interest in Rios. But a move to Yankees would need Rios to waive no trade
— Scott Merkin (@scottmerkin) July 30, 2013
It was previously reported that Rios would refuse to waive his no-trade clause in a deal with the Yankees, but Rios disputed that claim later. Chicago reportedly wants any team they trade Rios to to pick up the remainder of the $12.5 million owed to him for the rest of 2013 and all of 2014. In 94 games for the White Sox this season, Rios has a .277/.331/.443 batting line with 12 home runs.
The question is what the Yankees would even do with another outfielder at this point. They previously checked in on Hunter Pence in addition to the latest Rios rumor. With Vernon Wells, Brett Gardner, Ichiro Suzuki, Alfonso Soriano, and presumably Curtis Granderson all healthy, it seems that adding an additional outfielder to that wouldn't really be necessary. The team is desperate for corner infielders and possibly a catcher, so it seems unusual that they'd be hitting the outfield market so much harder than they have been rumored in connection with positions of real need.
What are your thoughts on the Yankees potentially acquiring Alex Rios from the White Sox? Are you done with outfielders or do you think that any marginal upgrade is an option the Yankees should explore?
Update:
For those asking: The Yankees are not interested in Alex Rios now. They got Soriano last week, will soon get back Granderson.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 30, 2013
Well, there you have it.