The New York Yankees remain on the lookout for middle infield help, and after their recent acquisition of Yunel Escobar from the Oakland A's, the Washington Nationals have pieces that Yankees GM Brian Cashman could consider in regards to a trade.
Chief among the options would be shortstop Ian Desmond, but the 30-year-old is headed for free agency after this coming season and would likely command a prospect package that Yankees management isn't willing to part with.
However, Yunel Escobar might be a more realistic option that could provide the Yankees depth heading into the 2015 campaign.
Pinstripe Alley's John Beck is intrigued with the possibility, despite not deeming it to be very likely:
As a righty with a track record of decent defense, coming off a down year, under team control for the next three seasons, Escobar would seem like a more natural platoon partner for Sir Didi Gregorius, and a more impressive backup at second base and shortstop than Brendan Ryan. He represents a chance for a rebound season, for three years of team control (if his $7M 2017 team option gets picked up), and for the kind of incremental upgrade that Brian Cashman has obviously pursued over the last couple of years. He hit .270/.347/.342 against lefties last season, much better than Derek Jeter. Better than JD Drew, too, but you knew that already.
The most likely scenario sees the Yankees giving Gregorius the majority of load and targeting someone like Desmond after the 2015 season. However, don't be surprised if Cashman and his staff at least does their due diligence when it comes to the Nats' middle infield.
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