MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees zeroing in on Justin Bour

The New York Yankees are reportedly interested in trading for first baseman Justin Bour, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Bour has hit .286 with 19 home runs and 56 RBI this season. Additionally, he will lead off against Yankees’ phenom-rookie Aaron Judge in the opening round of the Home Run Derby on Monday night. The Marlins haven’t previously expressed any interest in trading Bour, but various reports indicate that everyone could be on the table. Furthermore, this could be an opportunity to flip Bour for some much needed farm system help. Adding to Bour’s appeal is a contract that is extremely team-friendly at only $553,000 this season (though he will continue to be eligible for raises via arbitration through 2021).

The Yankees have a deep void at first base where they have combined for a miserable .200/.292/.377 line in 2017. While they have run through seven different players at the position, they still have lowest batting average and second-lowest OPS (.668) at that position in the majors. With 24-year-old Greg Bird looking towards exploratory ankle surgery, the typical DH Matt Holiday played the position as well but has a viral leg infection, and Yankees prospects are either snake-bitten with injuries or not producing at a high enough level.

Other than Bour, there are several other options at first for the Yankees to look into including Yonder Alonso, Brandon Belt, or even Lucas Duda of the Mets. However, those names are likely to draw considerably higher numbers in a contract negotiation, especially Belt at $68 million over the next four seasons with the Giants.

With only a few weeks between now and the trade deadline, things are undoubtedly just beginning to heat up for the Marlins. Keep coming back to Fish Stripes, and we’ll keep feeding you updates on potential trade news.