With star outfielder Aaron Judge sidelined by an elbow injury, the New York Yankees have started exploring the trade market to bolster their outfield. The team’s search for reinforcements has intensified as they prepare for Judge’s absence and seek to improve overall outfield depth before the trade deadline on July 31.

Key Targets in Yankees Trade Discussions

Despite having substantial players in their outfield roster, the Yankees have shown interest in acquiring new talent externally. According to ESPN’s Buster Olney, two main players under consideration are Harrison Bader from the Minnesota Twins and Austin Slater of the Chicago White Sox. Both are right-handed hitters who could provide immediate help in the outfield.

“The Yankees continue to work on adding bullpen help, according to rival evaluators, and they have talked with other teams about right-handed hitting outfielders. Former Yankee Harrison Bader is among those discussed, as well as White Sox outfielder Austin Slater. The Yankees’…” —Buster Olney, ESPN Analyst

Bader is already familiar with the Yankees, having previously been traded to the Bronx Bombers from the St. Louis Cardinals in 2022 in exchange for left-handed pitcher Jordan Montgomery. He logged a .237/.274/.353 slash line over 98 games through the 2023 regular season before moving among the Twins, New York Mets, and Cincinnati Reds.

Evaluating Bader and Slater’s Defensive and Offensive Contributions

The 31-year-old Bader has predominantly played left field for Minnesota this season but has most of his major league experience in center field. Known as a former Gold Glove winner, Bader remains highly regarded for his defensive skills, posting five Outs Above Average (OAA) in 2025, making him one of the top defenders in the outfield.

Austin Slater, 32, brings versatility by covering all three outfield positions, with most of his 2025 time spent in corner spots for Chicago. Defensively solid with an OAA of one, Slater’s offensive numbers include a .241 batting average, a .307 on-base percentage, and a .440 slugging percentage, along with five home runs in 128 plate appearances. His batted ball metrics indicate potential for an offensive breakout, with an expected batting average of .280 and an expected slugging percentage of .537, supported by a barrel rate of 14.6 percent.

Contract Considerations and Team Planning

Despite their proven abilities, both Bader and Slater are rental players, which poses a drawback as the Yankees aim to balance immediate needs with long-term planning. Other outfielders like Trent Grisham share similar short-term contract situations, and Cody Bellinger is likely to decline his option for 2026, further complicating the club’s roster decisions.

The ideal acquisition would provide not only present-day impact but also team control beyond this season to pair with rising star Jasson Dominguez and Aaron Judge upon his return. However, given the urgent need to fill Judge’s potential defensive void during his recovery, Bader and Slater remain attractive trade targets despite their contract status.

Yankees’ Strategy and Next Steps Before the Deadline

The Yankees have also been pursuing a right-handed bat alongside recent addition Amed Rosario, acquired from the Washington Nationals. While their plans to strengthen the bullpen continue, adding an outfielder capable of steady defensive work and offensive contribution could prove crucial for maintaining competitiveness throughout the remainder of the 2025 season.

As the July 31 trade deadline approaches, the Yankees must decide whether to finalize a deal for either Bader or Slater, balancing the urgency of Judge’s injury recovery with their long-term roster construction. The team’s moves in the coming days will be critical to their postseason aspirations and ongoing efforts to support their star players.

Our Reader’s Queries

Q. Why is Aaron Judge so special?

A. Aaron Judge is famous for hitting lots of home runs. He has achieved over 50 home runs in three different seasons, which only five players have ever done.

Q. Does Aaron Judge know his biological parents?

A. The adoption process was closed, so he hasn’t interacted with his birth parents. Since starting in Major League Baseball in 2016, Aaron Judge, a key player for the New York Yankees, has earned numerous awards.

Q. What is so special about Aaron Judge?

A. Aaron James Judge, born on April 26, 1992, plays baseball professionally as an outfielder for the New York Yankees in Major League Baseball. He has been selected as an MLB All-Star seven times and has won the American League’s Most Valuable Player Award twice. Judge also set the American League record by hitting 62 home runs in a single season.

Q. Can Aaron Judge grow a beard?

A. Aaron Judge has decided not to grow a beard, even though the Yankees have updated their rules about facial hair.