MLB Trade Rumors: New York Yankees Acquire Dustin Ackley
The New York Yankees have acquired the versatile Dustin Ackley from the Seattle Mariners, according to Jack Curry of the YES Network. He adds that the players heading to Seattle will be outfielder Ramon Flores and pitcher Jose Ramirez. They both saw time in the majors with the Yankees earlier this season.
Yankees just acquired Dustin Ackley from the Seattle Mariners, source said.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 30, 2015
It will be Ramon Flores and Jose Ramirez to the Mariners for Dustin Ackley, source says. — Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 30, 2015
Ackley, 27, is a former number two overall draft pick who has never lived up to his draft slot. Originally drafted as a second baseman out of North Carolina, he has moved around the diamond since being drafted, seeing an ample amount of time at all three outfield positions. But his defense has never been seen as the problem, but rather his hitting ability.
The former Tar Heel showed promise during his rookie season, hitting.273 with six HR and 36 RBI in 90 games. But since his rookie campaign, Ackley’s faults on the baseball field have shined through as he has never hit better than.253 in a single season. In 2015, Ackley is batting a career low.215 with six HR and 19 RBI.
Before his career in the majors, Ackley was considered the top college hitter in the world prior to being drafted. In fact, Chris Cotillo of SB Nation quotes UNC coach Roy Williams, who personally wrote a letter to Ackley to show his appreciation for being able to watch Ackley play.
Roy Williams wrote Ackley a letter while he was at UNC saying it was an “absolute privilege” to watch him play baseball at Carolina.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 30, 2015
Williams called Ackley “the best pure hitter” he’s ever seen in person and compared his impact on baseball program to Hansbrough’s w/ bball. — Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 30, 2015
For some reason, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has shown interest in acquiring Ackley the past few years and it’s surprising it took this long to strike a deal. The Inquisitr reported yesterday that Cashman had rejected a proposed trade for Ackley. Yet, both clubs came to an agreement today.
If he can finally show the promise that he showed at the University of North Carolina, Ackley might be able to translate that into a robust contract this offseason. He will hit free agency after this season.
With Ackley aboard, he will be the third former Tar Heel on the Yankees roster, alongside pitchers Adam Warren and Andrew Miller, as noted by Chris Cotillo of SB Nation.
Suddenly the Yankees have three @DiamondHeels: Miller, Warren, Ackley.
— Chris Cotillo (@ChrisCotillo) July 30, 2015
The Yankees have struggled with getting decent production out of second base this season. Stephen Drew has seen the most playing time at the position, and despite his 13 HR, he’s still hitting just.192. Therefore, it’s fair to wonder how much of an upgrade Ackley is at the keystone.
For the Mariners, they receive the 23-year-old outfielder Flores. Considered one of the Yankees better prospects, he played in 12 games for the Yankees this season but only hit.219. Also, the 25-year-old Ramirez has seen action with the Yankees the past two seasons, but pitched to a dreadful combined ERA of 7.62 through 11 games. He still throws hard and has good stuff, it’ll just be a matter of him harnessing it.
Perhaps a move from the spacious Safeco Field to the more hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium will help Ackley. As noted by Curry, Ackley has enjoyed success as a visiting player at the ballpark in the Bronx.
Small sample size alert…Ackley at Yankee Stadium: 17 games,.296/.397/.481, 2 HR, 9 RBI.
— Jack Curry (@JackCurryYES) July 30, 2015
Ackley, who has been sporting the full beard for a while now will have to shave it off as he prepares to don the pinstripes.
[Image by Christian Petersen/Getty Images]
