If the New York Yankees want to get creative ahead of the July 31 trade deadline, they might consider dealing from a position of strength to address a more urgent need. One scenario floated by CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa involves the Yankees trading outfielder Trent Grisham in a three-team deal that would send him to the Philadelphia Phillies, prospects to the Minnesota Twins, and infielder Willi Castro to New York.
Axisa explains that a straight Grisham-for-Castro swap wouldn’t make sense for Minnesota, who would likely prefer controllable young talent over rentals. But if Philadelphia joins in—desperate for a center field upgrade—it opens the door. Grisham, who’s posting a .255/.358/.475 slash line with two Gold Gloves to his name, would be a major boost for the Phillies, whose center fielders have combined for a weak .615 OPS this season.
Meanwhile, Castro, a 2024 All-Star, could immediately fill New York’s need at third base. He’s batting .257/.347/.431 with 10 home runs, 27 RBIs, and eight steals across 315 plate appearances. Though not elite defensively at third base—registering -3 Outs Above Average and -1 Defensive Runs Saved—his versatility (six positions played in 80 games) and switch-hitting power, particularly his pull-heavy lefty swing, suit Yankee Stadium well.
With Cody Bellinger in center and Jasson Domínguez plus Aaron Judge covering the corners, Grisham becomes expendable—especially in a contract year. And if the Yankees strike out on top target Eugenio Suárez, Castro may represent one of the best fallback options on the market. If the Phillies absorb the cost in prospects, the Yankees could come out big winners in this hypothetical deal.
Source: SI.com
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