MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees & Cubs Linked As Trade Partners

The New York Yankees are looking for a lot of things to help their offense at this coming week's trade deadline. An infielder, a leadoff hitter... you name it.

According to insider Jon Morosi, the Chicago Cubs have what the Yankees need, and the two teams could get together for a deal in the days ahead.

The Cubs are another potential Yankees trade partner. Nico Hoerner and Mike Tauchman lead the Cubs in starts at the leadoff spot. Either would upgrade the Yankees' lineup. Tauchman played for NYY in '19, '20 and '21.

CHC & NYY have been regular trade partners: Effross '22,… https://t.co/2YupckWg0l
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 25, 2024

Morosi names Nico Hoerner and Mike Tauchman as prime candidates in trade talks between the two clubs. Both players have filled the role of leadoff hitter frequently this season, and, as the insider notes, "either would upgrade the Yankees lineup." The Bronx Bombers rank second-last (29th) in all of baseball in on-base percentage from the leadoff spot, the most important stat for that lineup spot.

Tauchman is intriguing, as he has posted a .343 on-base percentage this season, and had a .353 mark in his two+ seasons previously in Pinstripes. The Yanks could also certainly use an upgrade on Alex Verdugo in left field.

On the infield, New York's offense is pretty much a mess, ranking in the bottom half of the league at every position. Hoerner can play second base and shortstop, and though he isn't having the best season, he's shown plenty of promise as a decent offensive option in the past, hitting over .280 the previous two seasons, while displaying plenty of speed on the basepaths, and even winning a Gold Glove last season to boot.

The Yankees and Cubs have been frequent trade partners over the years, so it's a match that could work.