:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/35826492/485348449.0.jpg)
The Trade Deadline is quickly approaching, and the Yankees still only have three outfielders. Since Brian Cashman has said that Rob Refsnyder is unlikely to be called up this season, after previously saying that he would only be called up to play outfield, it looks like the team is not going to fill the fourth outfield spot by calling someone up from Triple-A. Unless that person is Zoilo Almonte, who is already on the 40-man roster. If the Yankees are looking to trade for an outfielder, Alex Rios is on the market.
The Rangers are having a terrible season, and have actually fallen into last place behind the Astros in the AL West. They're currently 21 games behind the Athletics, and appear to be shopping Rios, Joakim Soria, and possibly Neal Cotts, as a result of being out of contention. Rios is having a good season, despite his power numbers being down, batting .302/.330/.435 4 HR 16 SB 103 wRC+ and 1.1 fWAR. In terms of defense, Rios has a -0.3 UZR in right field this season, compared to Ichiro's -1.1, so he would be fine taking over.
One potential roadblock would be that Rios has a no-trade clause, allowing him to block a trade to the following six teams: Yankees, Diamondbacks, Astros, Rockies, Royals, and Athletics. Rios is also in the final year of his $69.8 million contract, but that includes a 2015 team option for $13.5 million, with a $1 million buyout. The option is good news, because the Yankees wouldn't necessarily just be getting a rental if Rios were to override his no-trade clause. Unfortunately, Rios happened to sprain his right ankle during yesterday's game on Toronto's artificial turf. Of course. The X-Rays showed no fracture, but he has swelling in the ankle. The Rangers are hopeful that he'll be able to return to play in time for the series against the Yankees. The two teams meet up for seven games before the end of July, which would make it really easy for him to join the team.
What kind of deal do you think it would take to nab Rios and do you think it would be worth it?