Yankees predicted to make blockbuster trade for $100M Silver Slugger to add alongside Aaron Judge

Jul 26, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) reacts after a home run hit by shortstop Anthony Volpe (not seen) against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

The New York Yankees signed Cody Bellinger this offseason in a move that felt somewhat drawn out. The Yankees made multiple offers to Bellinger, but it took nearly the entire offseason for the two sides to agree to a deal. Outside of Bellinger, there weren’t many major additions, which left Aaron Judge with some questions.

“I'm seeing other teams around the league get better. They're making trades, they're signing big prospects or big players and we kind of were sitting there for a while, kind of making smaller moves," Judge said. "Early on, it was pretty tough to watch. I'm like, 'Man, we're the New York Yankees, let's go out there and get the right people, get the right pieces to go out there and finish this thing off.’”

The good news for Judge is that FanSided’s Mark Powell believes the Yankees could swing a trade for Byron Buxton.

“Aaron Judge is lethal. Aaron Judge is consistent. Aaron Judge is everything you need in star player. But the one thing he can't do it do everything by himself. That's why the Yankees need to add some more offense in the form of Buxton. He'd be a great addition in the outfield along with Judge. After losing the Soto sweepstakes, it only makes sense to add an outfielder coming off a career season to keep them relevant in the postseason,” Powell wrote.

Buxton has been an intriguing name this offseason as he has grown increasingly frustrated with his current situation in Minnesota.

“It's been months of upheavals for the Minnesota Twins and, because of roster changes, turnover in the dugout and front office, and an uncertain commitment level from ownership, the future is uncertain. That uncertainty hasn't sat well with franchise cornerstone Byron Buxton, especially insofar as his future with the Twins is concerned,” CBS Sports’ Dayn Perry wrote.

Adding Buxton would strengthen the Yankees’ lineup and defense. He is coming off his first Silver Slugger Award and has already won a Gold Glove Award, bringing impact on both sides of the ball.

New York is aiming to return to the World Series, just as it did in 2024, and acquiring Buxton could be the move that helps accomplish that goal. Judge, the face of the franchise, would undoubtedly welcome having Buxton alongside him in the outfield.

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