Alex Rodriguez: Yankees Should Trade for Two Players at Deadline

One of Major League Baseball’s most heralded shortstops, Francisco Lindor, appears to be off the Yankees' radar as they approach the July 31 trade deadline, according to multiple reports. Despite being considered one of the game’s premier defenders at the position, the New York Yankees are not pursuing Lindor, even as he struggles through his worst offensive season since breaking into the majors. The decision comes amid growing concerns over the team’s defensive shortcomings and a lack of depth at key positions. The Yankees, who have been actively seeking reinforcements throughout the season, have shown little interest in acquiring Lindor, despite his reputation as one of the sport’s elite shortstops. According to insider Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the team is not “prioritizing” the shortstop position, which has led to Lindor being ruled out as a potential trade target. This stance contrasts sharply with the Mets, who are expected to embark on a major overhaul of their roster, potentially making Lindor available for a substantial return. Lindor, 32, has struggled this season, posting a .210 batting average and a .654 slugging percentage through mid-July. His offensive numbers are well below expectations, marking a sharp decline from his peak performance in 2022, when he finished among the top 10 in MVP voting. Defensively, Lindor has also faced challenges, committing five errors in 134 chances and recording a subpar fielding percentage among shortstops for the first time in his career. These issues have raised questions about whether Lindor is still capable of maintaining the high level of play that made him a perennial All-Star. Despite these struggles, Lindor remains a valuable asset for the Mets. He has played in all 134 games this season, showing remarkable durability and consistency, though his production has not matched his previous standards. The Mets, under pressure to rebuild after a disappointing 2025 campaign, are likely to explore options at multiple positions, including shortstop. Reports suggest they could consider trading Lindor, along with other key players, in exchange for young talent or established contributors. Meanwhile, the Yankees continue to rely heavily on Anthony Volpe, who has emerged as the team’s primary shortstop despite losing his starting role to veteran Jose Caballero. Volpe, 25, has shown flashes of brilliance but has yet to consistently deliver at the plate or behind the dish. While he has earned praise for his defensive skills, his offensive output has left many wondering whether he can sustain the kind of performance needed to anchor the Yankees’ infield. The Yankees’ reluctance to pursue Lindor raises eyebrows, particularly given their recent struggles in the standings. Without the contributions of Aaron Judge, the team has fallen further back in the American League East, prompting calls for immediate upgrades. Yet, the organization seems content with its current plan, placing its faith in Volpe and other emerging stars. This strategy has drawn criticism from analysts and fans alike, who argue that the Yankees are missing an opportunity to address their defensive weaknesses. As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees will need to decide whether to take a chance on younger players or seek proven veterans to bolster their roster. The Mets, meanwhile, remain in a position to reshape their future, with Lindor representing a key piece in potential trades. Whether the Yankees will change course or stick to their current path remains uncertain, but one thing is clear, Lindor is not currently on their list of priorities.