Yankees 2010 Trade Target: David DeJesus

David DeJesus, OF Kansas City Royals
2010 season: 67 G, .331/.403/.494, 5 HR, 31 RBI

David DeJesus is a name familiar to most Yankees fans. DeJesus, in recent years, has been connected to the Yankees through trade rumors. The Brooklyn native is enjoying a breakout season this year, hitting a career high .331 AVG this season with a career high .494 SLG % while playing stellar defense for the Royals. One thing DeJesus has been credited for in his career is being a patient hitter. In his career, the highest season strike out total for DeJesus was 87 K's in 2009. He also draws his walks, having a career high of 64 in 2007, and ranging anywhere from 33 to 64 in his career. His ability to take pitches and have good plate discipline has resulted in a career OBP of .361, meaning he is on base 36% of the time. He's also been a great hitter throughout his career, with a career batting average of .290 on the spot. While not known for his power (career high 13 in 2009) or speed (career high 11 in 2008). Although an average outfielder, he is known for making great plays in the outfield.

DeJesus, 30, brings a lot to the table for the Yankees. A left-handed batter, he can play all three outfield positions and is extremely versatile. He makes $4.7 million this season, and has a club option of $6 million for the 2011 season which the Royals can pick up or decline. So if the contract is declined, the Yankees could always sign him in the offseason. The Royals, 29-40 (4th place in the AL Central) are 11 games out of first place. Sources indicate that they are ready to trade players, hoping to rebuild for the 2011 season. The Yankees could be major players for DeJesus, a graduate of Rutgers University, who they've been linked to and liked in the past. According to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe, the Royals "are said to be asking for more return than is acceptable to the suitors." He also lists the Yankees, Red Sox, and Padres as suitors for the outfielder.

If it is true that the Royals may be asking for a lot, the Yankees may back out. If the Royals were to ask for one of the catchers, either Montero or Romine, I would say "no thanks." As much of a fine player as DeJesus is, a 30 year-old outfielder who is enjoying a career year is not worth a top prospect, especially when the Yankees have a set outfield as it is. If I were the Yankees, and the Royals approached me about a possible trade for DeJesus, I would give up a B-level prospect, such as RHP Mark Melancon, with a few C-level guys such as 2B David Adams or RHP David Phelps, but no more than that.

Acquiring DeJesus would have to require one of the outfielders, most likely Nick Swisher, or DeJesus, DHing full time. While I think he would be a great fit on this team, being a New York native and a fine player, I would be anxious to see how the Yankees would use him. There is always the question of free agency however, especially with Carl Crawford, who the Yankees covet, most likely to hit the market. Many predict the Yankees will sign Crawford, but on the flip side, with the recent production of the Yankees' outfield this season, many sources have changed their beliefs due to the trio of Gardner-Granderson-Swisher's performance. Acquiring DeJesus would also most likely keep the Yankees from signing Crawford, especially if he continues to keep us his strong play, they would most likely pick up his 2011 option. The only question would be where the Yankees would fit in DeJesus.

I would be in full support of a trade for DeJesus, but only for the right price. A battled veteran, a New York native, and a great hitter, he would help this team pick itself up offensively. While there is a question of uncertainty as to where he would play, I'm sure that the Yankees could find a spot for him.