3 Yankees Players Who Will Be on Trade Block in 2020

It sure seems like MLB is doing everything in its power to bring baseball back as soon as possible. The plan to move forward with the season entirely fixated in Arizona is bold, but it leads us to think that we could be watching baseball a lot sooner than expected, even if this proposal falls through.

Therefore, it's time to start pondering how certain teams will manage roster conundrums. The New York Yankees and their loaded roster come to mind as a club that could be active at the 2020 trade deadline. However, what those trades might look like is a topic for another day.

For this conversation, let's focus on what Yankees will be on the trade block this year.

3. Mike Ford

This was a toss-up between Ford and Tyler Wade, and it came down to the likelihood that the Yankees would be able to get more in return for Ford, who smacked 12 home runs and posted a .559 slugging percentage as a reserve in 2019. Starting first baseman Luke Voit is injury prone, but something tells us that manger Aaron Boone will go to great lengths to get Miguel Andujar's bat into the lineup. That includes penciling him in at first base if Voit were to be shelved. Ford and a prospect or two could see the Yankees net a starting pitcher at the deadline.

2. JA Happ

James Paxton's return from back surgery is scheduled for mid-May. For all we know, that could be the start of the regular season. That means the Yankees won't be as desperate to plug Happ into the back of their rotation as they once were. If Happ impresses when play resumes -- he was doing just that during Spring Training -- don't be shocked if GM Brian Cashman looks to shop the 37-year-old left-hander, something he entertained all offseason at a sell-low point. It's rather stunning that Happ is still a member of the team to begin with. If Jordan Montgomery (and/or Clarke Schmidt) step up, this could be a maneuver Cash would consider.

1. Clint Frazier

The indefinite suspension of the MLB season couldn't have come at a worse time for Frazier, who seem poised to be an Opening Day starter as Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge worked their way back from injuries. Now, you'd have to think that both studs will be healthy whenever play resumes. This hiatus also hurts Frazier in that Aaron Hicks is scheduled to return from Tommy John surgery in either June or July. Finally, we have Brett Gardner, whose place in Boone's lineup is FAR more secure than Frazier's, especially since Gardy is fresh off a superb 2019 season. As much as we hate to admit it, the Yankees might be forced to cash in on Frazier. Outside of injuries (plural) there is no path for the 25-year-old into the first team.