Top New York Yankees Prospect on the Move? Crowded Outfield Sparks Trade Rumors as Spring Training Nears

This offseason has given the New York Yankees a lot of wiggle room. Not only has the team managed to turn their outfield shortage into depth but have also managed to improve their pitching lineup. However, it’s this depth that is igniting speculations regarding possible trade chips in the Yankees lineup. While there are a few usual names, what’s most surprising is the addition of their favorite prospect – Everson Pereira.

Pereira entered with much fanfare in 2023. The slugger had been rocking in the Minor Leagues and was expected to continue that form in the Major Leagues too. However, things went south really quickly for the young man. While experts still rate him quite highly, there’s a growing argument regarding using Pereira as a trading chip for further strengthening the Yankees bullpen. 

New York Yankees outfield depth – a unique opportunity?

One will have to think hard if one wants to remember the last time the Yankees had such a strong outfield. The Bronx has lacked a deep outfield for a long time, in fact, it was one of the main reasons for their underwhelming 2023. So when GM Brian Cashman said he was focusing on outfielders, he wasn’t joking. In one fell swoop – the Yankees have added Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham to their ranks. However, this could affect the standing of Everson Pereira.

Adam Weinrib of the Yanks Go Yard wondered how the team could use this added depth to bolster their pitching.  The first thought in his mind? “ Making Pereira the centerpiece of a deal for, say, Shane Bieber”. The reasons were simple – the Yankees might have over-depth in their outfield as of now.

While Juan Soto remains a temporary addition, the Bombers are expected to go hard for him during his free agency. Apart from Soto, the long-term outfield of the Yankees looks to be set with Jasson Dominguez, Aaron Judge, and Spencer Jones filling up the ranks. With Verdugo in the mix as well, Pereira’s case becomes all the more weak. 

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What’s affecting the slugger is his disappointing 2023. Most importantly, the season exposed a troubling shortcoming in Pereira’s game. 

Everson Pereira has to walk a long road ahead

While Pereira played only 27 games, those games showed a troubling tendency of swinging-and-missing. The 22-year-old had 40 strikeouts and batted at just .151. In 103 plate appearances, he barely hit 14 times. One can argue that his major league debut came a year too early. But this kind of performance doesn’t paint a pretty picture. 

However, as of now, the Yankees are looking to keep their hold on their valued prospect. Despite a bad debut, there’s a wider consensus that Pereira can come good in the end. But with the outfield depth that the Bombers have, Pereira will have to be quick or else he risks getting lost in the crowd.

Read more: Giancarlo Stanton’s Injury Bug to Impact Upcoming Season? Yankees’ Star Slugger Seeks Redemption Following 2023 Disaster