The New York Yankees are in discussions with the Oakland A's about acquiring first baseman Yonder Alonso in a trade, according to Jon Morosi of MLB.com:
Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports reported Monday that a top-level Athletics scout recently watched the Yankees' Class A Charleston affiliate. That's a strong indication of the Yankees' interest in players on Oakland's Major League roster.
The Yankees' motivation to speak with the A's about Alonso is clear: Their first basemen have combined for a .671 OPS this season, second worst in the Major Leagues entering Monday.
Alonso, 30, is one of the most likely players in professional baseball to be dealt before the July 31 non-waiver Trade Deadline. He's having a career year (.924 OPS, 21 home runs); he will be a free agent after the season is over; and A's executive vice president Billy Beane acknowledged over the weekend that the team needs a full rebuild.
New York is also known to be interested in A's pitcher Sonny Gray, but are reluctant to give up many of their top prospects - though that may be changing.
The Yankees have struggled this month and only have a half-game lead over the Minnesota Twins for the final wild card spot, increasing the chances that they make a major move.
No deal for Alonso is imminent - and New York may decide to switch their attention to Gray - but that appears to be who talks are centered around at this time.
Alonso is batting .268 with 21 home runs and 44 RBIs in 83 games so far this season.
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