No more trading of prime prospects

The Yankees may be buyers, not sellers, as the July 31 trade deadline approaches.

Led by young stars Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez, the retooled Baby Bombers began Wednesday in the American League East lead at 23-13, a seven-win improvement over last year at this time. Owner Hal Steinbrenner said the Yankees’ starting pitching has been a pleasant surprise to him, and he will consider making roster additions — but will not trade top prospects.

“We’re going to see where we’re at, what options are available and what those options would cost,” he said at the baseball owners’ meetings.

The Yankees traded Aroldis Chapman, Andrew Miller and Carlos Beltran last summer and released Alex Rodriguez. The team’s offense improved following the injection of youth, and the generational change has helped fans connect with younger players.

The Yankees’ television ratings rebounded to their highest level since Derek Jeter’s final season in 2014.

“We actually have young players for fans to be excited about, particularly the millennials, who are always Facetiming and Snapchatting,” Steinbrenner said. “(Players) do these Facetime interviews and Twitter question-and-answer things that 10 years ago none of us would be talking about. They do them and clearly younger fans are really enjoying it.”

While Steinbrenner evaluates deals to strengthen the team’s roster, he also wants to get its luxury-tax payroll under $197 million next year, which would reset the Yankees’ tax rate from 50 percent to 20 percent in 2019. They have paid in every year since the tax began in 2003.