MLBTR’s team-by-team trade deadline preview series is back for a second year. The Trade Deadline Outlook series, exclusive for Front Office subscribers, launched last year. This year’s edition kicks off with an obvious buyer. Over the next month or so, each team will get an entry, broadly starting with the most obvious buyers and sellers. The more borderline teams will be kept for later so that their plans can become more clear.

The Yankees are atop the American League, holding a 2.5 game cushion over the Rays in the division. They’ve gone 12-8 this month despite losing Aaron Judge and probably have the best roster in the AL. They’re clear deadline buyers and have a few needs to address by August 3.

Record: 48-31 (99.6% playoff odds, per FanGraphs)

Buy Mode

Potential needs: Catcher, high-leverage relief, utility infield

The Yankees have gotten above-average production out of seven lineup spots this season. The lone exceptions are third base and catcher. Their outfield is as good as any team’s, while their first base duo of Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt has been fantastic. Jazz Chisholm Jr. has turned things around after a slow start, and they’re presumably fine at shortstop with Anthony Volpe.