Yankees Receive Significant News on Top Trade Target

The New York Yankees are searching for a catcher before the MLB trade deadline, it seems like they want to swing big. At least as of right now.

The Yankees have already contacted the Athletics about Shea Langeliers, although those talks apparently didn't go anywhere. And now, ESPN's Jorge Castillo is reporting that New York has reached out to the Colorado Rockies regarding Hunter Goodman.

But will the Rockies actually move their All-Star backstop?

The initial consensus was that Colorado would be keeping Goodman, although Castillo seems to wonder if the Rockies could have a change of heart.

"A two-time All-Star with tons of power and a high strikeout rate, Goodman could fetch the Rockies a haul since he has three years of club control after this season, there's a dearth of available right-handed hitters on the market, and a few contenders could use an upgrade at catcher," Castillo wrote. "Teams, including the New York Yankees, have inquired. The Rockies could decide to keep Goodman for their rebuild, but his value might not climb any higher."

Goodman is under club control through 2029, so Colorado does not have to be in any sort of rush to move him. But as Castillo noted, his value is through the roof at the moment.

Would the Yankees be willing to pay the exorbitant asking price?

Goodman is slashing .258/.327/.563 with 31 home runs and 57 RBI over 397 plate appearances this season. He recently smashed three homers in a game against the Cincinnati Reds, and his slugging percentage leads the National League.

The 26-year-old is undoubtedly one of the best offensive forces in baseball, and while he isn't exactly Ivan Rodriguez behind the plate, he is at least passable defensively.

You would have to think that any package from New York would have to start with Carlos Lagrange and one of Jasson Dominguez or Spencer Jones. The Rockies would also almost surely inquire about George Lombard Jr., but he is likely untouchable.

The issue I mentioned previously — other than the cost — is the fact that big-time catchers rarely get traded midseason. Why? Because they have to learn an entirely new pitching staff, and vice versa. That isn't an easy task.

Of course, the Yanks are in desperate need to upgrade from Austin Wells. He is batting .163 with a .524 OPS, and he has 13 RBI in 70 games. But would they be amenable to paying such an expansive price for a catcher who would have to undergo quite an adjustment period just before the playoffs?

The MLB trade deadline is Aug. 3, so we will have to wait and see what the Yankees decide to do over the next week-and-a-half.