Yankees’ perfect trade offer for Giants’ Rafael Devers

The New York Yankees might be in the market for a trade. But would they go after a guy involved in a lose-lose trade last year? Perhaps, and here is the Yankees’ perfect trade offer for Rafael Devers.

It has been a year since the Red Sox sent Devers to the Giants. Both teams have posted losing records since the deal. For his part, Devers has been pretty bad this season. He has just nine homers and 33 RBIs, but more notably, his on-base percentage is .293. That would be the worst mark of his 10-year major-league career.

But maybe the Yankees could help him get turned around.

Why do the Yankees need 3B Rafael Devers?

The Yankees don’t have near the pop in their lineup without Aaron Judge. And with Giancarlo Stanton off on yet another injury hiatus, the Yankees could use more pop in the middle of their order.

And the Yankees could get Devers for a discounted value because of his season-long struggles. The Giants are looking to move some veteran pieces and begin a rebuild. That’s a needed direction because there’s no scenario where the Giants catch the Dodgers anytime soon.

Plus, the Yankees have enough pieces to make a serious World Series. Yes, it hinges on Judge returning and being the enforcer bat in the lineup. But Judge is expected back in July. It’s a matter of maintaining competitiveness until then. And Devers would be a solid step in that direction.

However, there are concerns about Devers’ defensive abilities at this stage in his career. Without retooling the defense, Devers might be better served to become a designated hitter if he moved to New York.

Of course, that brings up the question of Stanton. However, the Yankees simply can’t count on Stanton. Over the last seven seasons, he has played more than 114 games only one time. And he’s not on pace to get there this year.

What would the Yankees’ perfect offer be?

Yes, the Yankees will need to give up something significant to get Devers. He’s still a 30-homer guy when healthy.

The trade would need to start with a front-line starter. And perhaps the Giants would accept 24-year-old right-hander Chase Hampton as that guy. He has the multiple offerings needed to work deep into games, even though Tommy John surgery brings some questions into the equation, according to MLB.com.

“Before he got hurt, Hampton had a two plus pitches backed up by a pair of solid offerings,” MLB.com wrote. “His best weapons were a 92-94 mph fastball that reached 97 with high spin rates and bat-missing carry and a tight low-80s slider. His upper-80s cutter and upper-70s curveball were nearly as effective, though he struggled to refine a too-firm upper-80s changeup with fade.

“Hampton’s long arm action, low release height, and flat approach angle make life tough on hitters. He created plenty of deception without losing control, and also showed feel for sequencing his pitches.”

Of course, the Giants are also going to want a bat in return. Infielder Core Jackson might be the right fit. He’s a couple of years away from the big leagues, according to MLB.com.

“He has the ingredients for at least 15-homer power, especially if he can learn to elevate more pitches,” MLB.com wrote. “Jackson was more impressive defensively in his first taste of pro ball. He displays smooth actions, solid range and plus arm strength, leaving no doubt he can remain at shortstop. He has average speed with good baserunning instincts.”

The big question would be whether the Giants would ask for a third player. If they did, outfielder Jace Avina might be the guy. He’s a year closer to the big leagues than Jackson, according to MLB.com.

“Avina’s carrying tool is his plus raw power from the right side of the plate, which mostly plays to his pull side,” MLB.com wrote. “He doesn’t sell out for home runs, rarely chasing pitches as he waits for ones he can drive in the air to left field.

“Avina has lost some quickness as he has added strength and is now an average runner who doesn’t make much of an impact on the bases. He features solid to plus arm strength and has a knack for throwing out baserunners.”

This deal, if made soon, could keep the Yankees in a comfortable position during their Judge-less days. And when he returns, this lineup would have some serious postseason teeth.

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