Yankees Daily Trade Deadline Profile: Blake Rutherford

MLB’s non-waiver trade deadline is July 31st. As the New York Yankees appear to be in playoff contention, every day this month we will take a look at a player who could be involved in the Yankees’ deadline activity. These players will either be current Yankees who could be traded away or players from other organizations who New York could look to acquire for the playoff push.

The Yankees started their second half of the season the way they finished much of the first half: another bullpen meltdown. If New York wants to upgrade its roster at the trade deadline, they may need to sacrifice a top prospect or two.

NEW YORK, NY – JULY 08: Clint Frazier /

OF Blake Rutherford, Charleston RiverDogs (A), Sell

Blake Rutherford is the Yankees’ third-best prospect, according to MLB.com. The 20-year-old ranks ahead of top prospects like Jorge Mateo, Chance Adams, Miguel Andújar, and Domingo Acevedo.

The difference between Rutherford and those other prospects is his ETA to the majors. Andújar made his debut a few weeks ago, Adams could be replacing Michael Pineda in the rotation soon, and Mateo and Acevedo could get major league looks in 2018.

Rutherford, however, isn’t expected to be major league-ready until 2020. The Yankees’ 2016 first round pick, Rutherford has only been playing pro ball for two seasons.

Once Rutherford makes it to the bigs, however, this kid should be a stud. The 30th-best prospect in all of baseball, Rutherford could net a significant trade deadline acquisition.

When the Yankees drafted Rutherford, he was considered one of the top prep bats in the draft.

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Since joining the Yankees, Rutherford has done nothing but show off his hitting ability.

During his 2016 season, the outfielder hit .351 with 15 extra-base hits in 33 games.

So far in 2017, Rutherford is hitting .281 with 23 extra-base hits in 68 games. He also has nine stolen bases and a .342 on-base percentage.

The thought of Rutherford in center field for the Yanks is exciting. However, New York may already have their outfield of the future in place.

Clint Frazier, Aaron Hicks, and Aaron Judge could be roaming the outfield in the Bronx for the foreseeable future. The Yankees also have Jacoby Ellsbury under contract through 2020 with a team option for 2021.

If Brian Cashman can get starting pitching or bullpen help by trading Blake Rutherford, Yankees fans should understand losing a top prospect.

As good as Rutherford is, he may not have a spot in New York’s future outfield. Swapping him for a player that fills a need should be a welcomed move for the Yankees.

Next: Yankees Daily Trade Deadline Profile: Lucas Duda

Our next profile will be a starting pitcher who, if his team decides to sell at the trade deadline, the Yankees could use Rutherford to acquire.

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