Yankees Rumors: Bryan Reynolds Trade Unlikely, Left Field Options For 2023 Opening Day

New York Yankees fans who have been hoping that the team would trade for a starting left fielder might want to prepare themselves to be disappointed. The chances that the Yankees will acquire Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds or another player of significance before Opening Day 2023 are dwindling.

Pitchers and catchers must report to spring training in a little over a month. The latest rumors suggest that the Yankees are unlikely to make a trade for Reynolds. New York's starting left fielder, at least to begin the 2023 season, is probably already on the roster.

Pittsburgh has a very high asking price for Reynolds, according to The Athletic, and it's one that New York is unlikely to meet. The Seattle Mariners and Texas Rangers are in a better position than the Yankees to trade for Reynolds because of their highly touted pitching prospects. The Pirates would reportedly prioritize young arms in a trade.

The Yankees might be able to get a trade done if they parted with at least three of their top prospects, according to The New York Post's Jon Heyman. New York isn't expected to give up two of Oswald Peraza, Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez in exchange for Reynolds, an above-average player who has only made one All-Star team.

There have been rumors that the Yankees could acquire Max Kepler from the Minnesota Twins. Kepler had a .666 OPS in the 2022 season and might not offer much of an upgrade to what New York has now as far as left-field options.

Yankees fans have been lamenting the idea of Aaron Hicks being the starter in 2023. Hicks suffered a season-ending knee injury in the ALDS. Injuries have plagued the 33-year-old's career, and he hasn't exactly been reliable when healthy.

Hicks hit .216 last season, bringing his average to .233 in seven seasons in the Bronx.
Hicks hit a career-high 27 home runs in 2017. In 275 games since the switch hitter only has 30 homers.

Oswaldo Cabrera could see plenty of time in the corner of the Yankees' outfield. As a rookie, Cabrera morphed into one of the team's most reliable hitters. After making his major-league debut in mid-August, the utility player posted a .827 OPS in September. Cabrera only had two hits in 28 postseason at-bats.

Estevan Florial could finally have a chance for consistent playing time in the majors. The outfielder has hit .185 in just 29 games over the last three seasons with the Yankees. Florial was once one of the top prospects in MLB.

Starting pitcher Carlos Rodon has been the Yankees' one major offseason addition.