As the MLB trade deadline buzz hits full volume, all the chatter has been around big names—Luis Robert Jr., Cody Bellinger, and Dylan Cease. But amid the storm of superstar rumors, the Yankees have quietly addressed a pressing need. With Aaron Judge still managing injury risk and the lineup needing more balance against left-handed pitching, New York was bound to make a move. The question wasn’t if—it was who.
That question was answered today when Jeff Passan reported: “The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder Austin Slater in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, sources tell ESPN.”
The New York Yankees have acquired outfielder Austin Slater in a trade with the Chicago White Sox, sources tell ESPN.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 30, 2025
It’s a move that may not dominate headlines, but it could prove crucial. Slater, $1.75 million White Sox star, brings exactly what the Yankees were missing: a right-handed outfielder who thrives against lefties. In 2025, he’s posted a .897 OPS in 74 plate appearances against southpaws, making him a reliable weapon off the bench or in situational matchups. And given New York’s recent struggles with their depth outfielders, this deal could be a quiet win.
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