It seems likely that Venezuelan catcher Elías Díaz will end up playing for the New York Yankees this season. Rumors of his potential departure from the Colorado Rockies are increasing, with the Yankees emerging as the frontrunners to acquire him before the July 30 deadline.
Elias Díaz just flipped this #AllStarGame on its head! pic.twitter.com/a676EZsZ53
— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2023
Jon Heyman of the New York Post recently reported that the Rockies are willing to offer Elías Díaz‘s services to any team looking to bolster their catching for the remainder of the season. With Díaz set to become a free agent after this season, Colorado sees this as an opportunity to gain value before potentially losing him without compensation.
Díaz, 33, has had a standout season with a .291/.335/.410 batting line and an OPS of .744. He has been a consistent presence in the Rockies’ lineup, even batting cleanup on several occasions. His defensive performance has also been solid, ranking among the top in pop times and caught stealing percentages.
The Yankees have struggled with their catchers this season, especially with José Treviño injured since mid-July and Austin Wells filling in with mixed results. Wells has hit .200 since Treviño’s injury, highlighting the need for an upgrade behind the plate.
Elías Díaz not only provides a more reliable bat but also enhances the team defensively, which could strengthen the Yankees’ bid for the AL East title. Although the Yankees are the primary contenders for Díaz, other teams like the Cubs, Rays, Pirates, and Mariners are also reportedly interested in bolstering their catching options.
The MLB trade deadline is on July 30, after which trades become more complicated. With Díaz in the final year of his contract, the Rockies are weighing their options to maximize their return before the season concludes.
