ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — One potential trade target came off the board Wednesday as the Yankees were still waiting to make their first significant move ahead of Friday’s deadline.
The Yankees had been intrigued by Starling Marte, who was sent from the Marlins to the Athletics, at least since the loss of Aaron Hicks to season-ending wrist surgery earlier in the year.
Marte, a 32-year-old outfielder, is set to become a free agent after the season.
Oakland, which is ahead of the Yankees in the wild card standings, sent 23-year-old left-hander Jesus Luzardo to Miami. Luzardo has struggled this year, but is still seen as an excellent young arm — and more than the Yankees were believed willing to give up for a rental.
Marte is hitting .306/.407/.453 with seven home runs and 25 RBIs in 63 games.
The Yankees remain on the search for upgrades after freeing up salary and two 40-man roster spots with their trade of Luis Cessa and Justin Wilson to the Reds late Tuesday night.
They added right-hander Clay Holmes in a trade with the Pirates on Monday, sending a pair of minor leaguers to Pittsburgh, and they’re looking for possible moves at shortstop, the outfield and rotation — but they appear determined to remain under the $210 million luxury tax threshold.