Yankees could move on from 2-time All-Star, former MVP to free up playing time

The New York Yankees are in a position that every contender wants to be in.

They have a surplus of talent that can be used to trade for pitching, specifically relievers to help during the playoffs.

The Yankees currently sit atop the American League East by four-and-a-half games with a 28-19 record with one of the most dominant offenses in Major League Baseball.

Aaron Judge is off to an unprecedented start, Trent Grisham is having a career year and 22-year-old Jasson Dominguez is making an impact as well.

With Giancarlo Stanton reportedly on his way back from injury, there is a logjam of talent in the outfield, especially with Cody Bellinger in the mix.

Zachary Howell of ClutchPoints listed three teams that could be a trade partner for the former National League Most Valuable Player and two-time All-Star.

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Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves envisioned one of the best outfields in baseball after acquiring Jarred Kelenic, pairing him with Michael Harris II and Ronald Acuna Jr. But two months into the season, Kelenic is in the minors, and we haven’t seen Acuna yet this season. Alex Verdugo had a good start but has cooled off; Bellinger would provide a huge boost for manager Brian Snitker. The Braves have arms that could entice New York.

Kansas City Royals

The Kansas City Royals are 27-23 but find themselves in fourth place in the American League Central. Superstar Bobby Witt Jr. is great, and Maikel Garcia is having a breakout season, but the Royals need more firepower if they want to make the postseason at this point. Bellinger would give Kansas City some needed thump in the lineup, a slugging left-handed bat to pair with Vinnie Pasquantino in the middle of the order. It may be difficult for the Royals to trade for Bellinger, but they have a slew of bullpen arms that could pique interest.

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds are 25-25, good for third in the National League Central. There were high expectations for this team in spring training, and there is still hope for them in a tight division. One way to bolster the top-heavy lineup would be adding Bellinger, who has a career .769 OPS at Great American Ballpark.

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