MLB trade rumors: Yankees still open to adding first baseman

After the Yankees acquired Todd Frazier in a seven-player deal with the White Sox effectively moving Chase Headley to first base, many assumed the Yankees first base enigma had been solved. But that may not be the case as Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports that the Yankees’ GM Brian Cashman is still open to adding a first baseman.

The Yankees made a big splash the other night when they acquired Frazier, David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle from the White Sox for four players including three prospects. The team then announced that Frazier would see the majority of his starts at third, shifting Headley over to first base.

However, due to Headley’s lack of power at the dish the season with four homers and a .711 OPS, the Yankees may not be done searching for a true first baseman. On the roster, Garrett Cooper is the only true first baseman while the club awaits the return of Greg Bird from ankle surgery. The Bombers just designated Rob Refsnyder and Ji-Man Choi for assignment following Tuesday night’s blockbuster.

At first base, the Yankees have been linked to a number of options including All-Star Yonder Alonso of the A’s and Mets’ first baseman Lucas Duda as two rentals. The club has also expressed interest in Marlins’ Justin Bour who is under team control through 2020.

The Yankees may not be done there, as they are very much in the market for starting pitching, especially for Sonny Gray. There is a possibility that the clubs could look to package Alonso and Gray if a deal were to get done. The Athletics have been heavily scouting the Yankees’ system and reportedly named their price yesterday.

With a week and a half until the trade deadline, Cashman will be searching for upgrades at first and in the rotation without compromising the future and trading his top prospects.