Pass or pursue: Deciding which Yankees trade-deadline targets are worth going after

Bellinger is an accomplished Veteran and superstar that has been around MLB dugouts his entire life. He has vast playoff experience and was a WS MVP. His insights, knowledge, .314/.366/.902 with 15 HR would dramatically improve the Yankees organization. He will likely look to extend with the Yankees and be an asset for years to come. 

Pass: Dylan Carson, OF, St Louis Cardinals 

In left field, the Yankees have struggled to find a regular contributor. The platoon of Franchy Cordero, Jake Bauers, Willie Calhoun, Billy McKinney, and Aaron Hicks has failed to produce consistent results. Dylan Carlson of the St. Louis Cardinals presents an intriguing option. Carlson, a switch-hitter, may not have impressive offensive numbers, but his strong outfield defense and potential for improvement make him a viable trade target. 

Harrison Bader's trade from the Cardinals worked out and lightning won't strike twice. Carlson's best is not enough to improve the lineup in the Bronx, and it should be a hard pass from the Yankee. 

Pursue: Jeimer Candelario, 3B, Washington Nationals

One area that the Yankees should focus on is the third base position. The underperformance of Josh Donaldson and the uncertainty surrounding his availability due to injury make it imperative for the Yankees to seek an upgrade. Candelario of the Nationals has emerged as a potential trade target. Candelario, a switch-hitting infielder, brings solid defensive skills and a respectable .258/.342/.482 line on the season.

Candelario's ability to provide a left-handed presence in the lineup would be a valuable addition to the Yankees' offensive arsenal. A trade sending prospects Tyler Hardman (3B) and Carson Coleman (RHP), along with veteran infielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, could be adequate.

Pursue: Jake Rogers, C, Detroit Tigers

The Yankees must address their catching situation with Jose Trevino out for the season following wrist surgery. Kyle Higashioka paired with Ben Rortvedt is not an ideal combination. Jake Rogers of the Detroit Tigers emerges as an enticing trade target. After missing the past two seasons due to injury, Rogers has enjoyed a strong year with a .738 OPS and 12 home runs. His defensive prowess, particularly his framing skills, would be a valuable asset behind the plate for the Yankees.

The Tigers might be willing with a significant package of prospects, given his current production and the presence of promising prospect Dillon Dingler in their system. 2B prospect Jared Serna, Jake Bauers and two other top-50 prospects could be enough to make the deal happen at no actual loss to the Yankees. 

Pass: Lance Lynn, SP, Chicago White Sox 

Despite his high ERA this season, Lynn has shown flashes of brilliance in recent starts. With his extensive postseason experience, Lynn could be a valuable addition to the Yankees rotation. If the White Sox are willing to pay down some of his remaining salary, Lynn could be an attractive trade target for New York. The veteran pitcher's ability to perform in high-pressure situations could make him a key asset for the Yankees' playoff push.

However, I'll hand out a "pass" on Lynn due to his home runs allowed (28), the most in the MLB. He is giving up an HR every four innings pitched. This would prove to be a liability instead of an asset, out-weigh his high strikeout rate. Additionally, Nestor Cortez will be rejoining New York's staff and the Yankees rotation will finally be fully healthy for the first time this season. 

Pursue: Juan Soto, OF, San Diego Padres

Soto is a bonafide superstar. Batting him in front of Aaron Judge with Anthony Rizzo to follow would be a tough inning for even the best pitchers. Soto's slash line of .268/.420/.500 with 20 HR, 64 RBI and 59 runs is everything missing from the Yankees offense.

The San Diego Padres traded the Nationals five top-tier prospects for Soto and Josh Bell. With a year of arbitration left and a minimum of $25 million coming in that season, the Padres will need to trade him quickly if they are looking for a haul. They will probably have to settle for slightly less, but four top-10 prospects will probably get it done this year. The Yankees would be a prime trade partner; they have many options in their farm system. Trey Sweeny, Elisha Dunham, Matt Sauer and one more would be fantastic for the Padres. Even if that one more is the Martian, Jasson Domínguez, the Yankees need to make it happen. Soto is everything you hope the Martian becomes.