The 2023 MLB trade deadline is on the horizon, which means that rumor season is upon us. And the New York Yankees, in third place in the loaded American League East and in need of a shot in the arm with superstar Aaron Judge injured, are going to be one of the main teams involved in trade buzz.

The Yankees, nine games back of the first-place Tampa Bay Rays at the time of print, still have a chance to catch Tampa Bay. However, it might require general manager Brian Cashman to tinker with the roster this summer.

And we don't mean huge blockbuster deals either. Here are three sneaky trades the Yankees should consider to aid in their chase of the Rays.

Yankees: 3 trades to make to catch the Rays

3. Yankees trade for Mets outfielder Tommy Pham 

Let's start with the most unlikely trade: the Yankees pulling off a deal with their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, ahead of the deadline.

The Yankees and Mets have partnered up for just 16 trades since 1966, so it's not out of the question but it's also not the most likely occurrence either.

However, there might a reason for the two clubs to do business together this year. The Mets, 38-46, are crumbling under the weight of their own lofty expectations, so much so that it sounds like owner Steve Cohen is seriously thinking about making some big changes at the MLB trade deadline.