Key Takeaways:
– The New York Yankees erupted with a relieving 14-4 win over Boston Red Sox after a series of recent losses.
– Ben Rice shines for Yankees, hitting three home runs against Boston.
– The Yankees might boost their lineup by trading for San Francisco Giants’ star third baseman, Matt Chapman.
– While Chapman’s contract presents some complications, he could provide a significant boost to the team’s struggling offense.
Yankees’ Comeback Hopes
As the Yankees navigate through a challenging season with the MLB trade deadline looming ahead, there might be a silver line sighted with their recent 14-4 triumph over Boston Red Sox. The team’s morale had taken a significant hit after a series of losses. However, the significant win over Boston was a refreshing sight for players and fans alike.
Rookie Ben Rice’s performance during the win amplified the excitement, hitting three home runs. This promising display has kindled hopes in Yankees’ fans that Rice could be a legitimate first base option, especially while Anthony Rizzo is sidelined due to a broken arm.
Despite the positive potential, seasoned New York Post reporter Jon Heyman states that the Yankees might still want to look into strengthening their lineup further.
Complications in Chapman Trade
Heyman suggests that the team might consider targeting Matt Chapman, the famed third baseman from San Francisco Giants. However, the feasibility of such a trade depends largely on the Giants’ standing as they enter the final week of July.
The Giants have had a disappointing season currently ranking 44-46 and are grappling to secure one of the National League wild card slots. With increasing injuries and a lag in their performance, the Giants seem to be falling behind the pack.
Heyman’s Betting on Yankees
Despite the uncertainty, Heyman is positive about the prospects. He indicated that if the Giants decide to sell, taking Chapman on board could advantage the Yankees significantly.
“Their offseason has been rough, with players like Jung Hoo Lee, Matt Chapman, and (Blake) Snell out injured. Yet, with Snell returning, there’s still hope. If they do choose to sell, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Yankees target Chapman,” said Heyman during a Bleacher Report livestream.
Assessing Chapman’s Value
Chapman’s potential inclusion in the Yankees’ lineup could significantly boost their performance. Despite his average season performance so far, hitting .244 with 12 home runs, he holds an edge over the current team of third basemen for the Yankees, whose combined batting average stands at a dismal .232.
Adding Chapman to the roster might not be straightforward, though—his contractual obligations pose a challenge. He inked a three-year, $54 million contract with the Giants, with player options for the following two seasons. This arrangement presents a predicament for the Yankees as they aim to understand whether this is a short-term rental or a long-term commitment.
Despite the complicated contract, if the Yankees are resolute on making a World Series run, taking a risk on Chapman may be well worth it. Not only would it add potency to the Yankees’ faltering offense, but also instill a fresh verve in the team, amplifying their momentum for a potentially stronger campaign ahead.