Yankees-Padres trade idea sends Fernando Tatis Jr. to New York for Spencer Jones, three more players
The New York Yankees have a star-studded outfield with Aaron Judge and Cody Bellinger, but Judge is running out of time to win a World Series.
He turns 34 near the end of the month, and the Yankees have fallen short in the postseason several times during his career. Ryan Shea of Sports Illustrated has a solution that requires New York to ship away a few prospects and Major League contributors.
Shea’s trade idea sends Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres to the Yankees in exchange for outfielders Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez, right-handed starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt, and utility man Oswaldo Cabrera.
“The Yankees would make this trade for Fernando Tatis Jr. because he is a game-changing superstar who can immediately elevate their lineup and maximize their win-now window,” Shea wrote Monday. “Tatis offers elite power, speed, and on-base ability, making him a cornerstone for championship contention and a key strategic upgrade in right field.”
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Shea went as far as to say that the Yankees would be comfortable making this trade because all four outgoing players are “unproven” at the Major League level. While that may be the case for Jones and Dominguez, Schmidt is far from unproven.
He posted a 2.85 ERA in 16 starts in 2024 and delivered a 3.32 ERA in 14 starts before injury in 2025. Schmidt has developed an above-average cutter and sweeper that make him a more than trustworthy middle of the rotation arm.
“By prioritizing immediate impact over long-term development, the Yankees strengthen both their championship chances and their overall roster profile,” Shea added about his trade idea, sending Tatis to the Bronx.
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