The 2016 MLB trade deadline is fast approaching and the New York Yankees are expected to be sellers. The latest rumors suggest that the Yankees could acquire Yasiel Puig from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Aroldis Chapman.
According to FOX Sports, the Dodgers have many reasons to trade Puig at the deadline and New York seems to be a possible destination. LA needs a left-handed pitcher for its bullpen and the Yankees have the two best available players in the market.
Chapman and Andrew Miller are two of the best relievers in baseball with the latter being more expensive. Miller has two more years on his contract and has been arguably the best setup man this year while Chapman is going to be a free agent at the end of the season.
The Dodgers could offer Puig for Chapman in a one-on-one trade that seems to be perfect for both teams, NJ Advance Media Group reported. LA will get Chapman for the final months of the season and they also get rid of Puig, who has been a locker room problem at times.
On the other hand, the Yankees will get a player that needs a change of scenery. He is also under contract for two more seasons and still possesses a ton of potential. The 25-year-old outfielder is just two years removed from being named an All-Star.
In his first season in 2013, Puig played in 104 games and batted .319 with 19 home runs and 42 RBIs. He came in second in the Rookie of the Year voting and even received MVP votes.
The Cuban outfielder followed it up with a better season as he played in 148 games with a batting average of .296. He also hit 16 home runs and had 69 RBIs while being selected to play in his first All-Star game and receiving MVP votes.
However, it all fell apart for Puig last season when he struggled to stay healthy and hit the baseball. He only played in 79 games and batted .255 with 11 home runs and 38 RBIs. He is also struggling with his swing this season that is why the Dodgers have made him available.
As for the Yankees, they could use someone like Puig in the future as long as they can keep his head in the game. He still has the potential to put up big numbers and he has one of the best defensive arms in baseball.
It should be noted that these are just rumors but both teams are going to be active at the deadline. Check out the video below to see Puig's arm in action this season.