The Yankees have added some depth on the bench, reportedly acquiring White Sox outfielder Austin Slater ahead of Thursday’s trade deadline.
YES Network’s Jack Curry and ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported the move.
The 32-year-old has also played some first base, and is batting .236 with five home runs and a .721 OPS in 123 at-bats so far this season. Across his nine-year career, which includes time with the Giants, Orioles, and Reds, Slater holds a .727 OPS.
The Yanks will reportedly part with low-level minor league pitcher Gage Ziehl for Slater, per Curry.
Slater could be used in the outfield while Aaron Judge heals from his flexor strain, and he can be used against lefties to give Jasson Dominguez a rest. Dominguez has been far better batting from the left side than the right this season, while Slater is slugging .522 with an .859 OPS against lefties this season.
The move for Slater makes it three position players acquired by the Yanks via trade in the past week, as Brian Cashman has also brought in Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario.