3 players Yankees could trade for: Cole Hamels, Ben Zobrist, Tyler Clippard

The MLB trade deadline isn’t until July 31 but there should be plenty of action before then. The Yankees find themselves in contention as we continue through June, and as we all know, the Yankees don’t usually sit on their hands if they have a legitimate shot at a World Series title. So what players could the Yankees potentially bring in to fortify their roster? Here area few:

Cole Hamels,Phillies

The 31-year-old, left-handed starter hasn’t had a winning season since 2012 but that is no fault of his, as the Phillies haven’t had a winning season since 2011. Philadelphia’s dynasty crumbled a long time ago and general manager Ruben Amaro has refused to see the writing on the wall until only recently, as he dealt shortstop Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers before the 2015 season began. Chase Utley, Ryan Howard and Cole Hamels’ names have been popping up in the rumor mill non-stop but Hamels is the only one still in his prime. The seven-year/$159 million contract he is under goes through 2018 (with a team option for 2019). Hamels is currently 5-5 and his ERA (3.19) and WHIP (1.145) are right in line with his career averages.

Ben Zobrist, Athletics

Zobrist will probably be the most talked about commodity on the trade market as the utility infielder (and occasional corner outfielder) is in the last year of his contract with the struggling Athletics. Zobrist has been linked to several teams including the Nationals, Cubs, Mets and Yankees. Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane is never shy about trading his starters for prospects, and it is believed that he is seeking a top prospect in exchange for Zobrist. But the Yankees have expressed an unwillingness to part with their prospects of late, so a deal may not reached, even though New Yorkdesperately needs better production at second base.Stephen Drew has been dreadful in 2015.

Tyler Clippard, Athletics

After David Carpenter was designated for assignment, the Yankees’ bullpen was left with just two right-handed options; Dellin Betances (who has been brilliant) and Esmil Rogers (who has been atrocious). Clippard is just one of many right-handed relief options the Yankees could explore if they choose not to promote from within the organization. Of course, Clippard is also an Athletic, so the Yankees would probably have to part with a decent prospect if they wantto add him. Clippard came up with the Yankees but got knocked around in 2007 and was traded to the Nationals.Hehad many solidyears before signing a one-year deal with Oakland. Clippard has been shaky this year, going 0-3 with a 3.33 ERA, but he’s converted 9-of-11 save opportunities.