New York Yankees: 5 Players That Could Be Traded At Deadline
Oct. 14, 2014; Mesa, AZ, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Greg Bird (20) plays for the Scottsdale Scorpions against the Mesa Solar Sox during an Arizona Fall League game at Cubs Park.Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Starting to see a trend here? Bird is yet another top prospect for the Yankees, as he ranks fourth overall and as the third best hitter. If the Yankees are going to be making moves at the deadline to land a front arm starter, they are going to have to pony up the prospects; Bird could be one of the ones they move.
Bird is actually a higher rated power hitter than Aaron Judge, receiving a 65 power number compared to 60 for Judge. He has not disappointed in the power department either, as he won MVP at the Arizona Fall League and leading the league in home runs. He hit 20 home runs during the season in 2013, as the power is real for him.
To go along with the power, Bird also has amazing patience at the plate. In 2013 he led the league with 107 walks, resulting in a .428 on-base percentage, which ranked fourth. That kind of patience is tough to find in a younger player, but it is something that he has brought along with him despite the minor league level he was at.
Bird receives most of his praise though from his bat. He is limited on the base paths, as he is a below-average runner. First baseman aren’t usually the fleetest of foot, but you would like to see a guy move around the bases a little better. He is also an adequate fielder at best in range and with his arm. But, it is something he works hard on, so he could easily become more than serviceable if given the chance.
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While Bird isn’t as highly regarded as Severino or Judge, he is still a highly rated prospect. He could be the main piece for a slightly lesser player than Cueto or Hamels, or someone to sweeten the pot in a deal for them.
The reason he could be a moveable piece is because of the logjam the Yankees seemingly have at first base. Mark Teixeira will be there as long as he is a Yankee, and there are rumors that Brian McCann can move there once Teixeira’s contract is up. If those rumors are true, it will be tough to find a spot for Bird, who is already a converted catcher and doesn’t posses the skill set to be an outfielder.
Because of that, he could be a player the Yankees are willing to move if it helps push their package above a team such as their AL East foes or Los Angeles Dodgers, another team connected to Cueto and Hamels.
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