Despite having the third-highest scoring offense in the MLB, the New York Yankees are barely holding onto a playoff spot. As it stands, they’re three games behind the Blue Jays for first place in the AL East, and have just a 2.5 game lead for a wildcard spot. The Yankees just haven’t been able to pull away, mostly because of pitching, or the lack of pitching. As it stands, the Yankees are tied for the 14th-ranked pitching staff across the MLB in terms of ERA.
Jesse Rogers of ESPN recently addressed what the Yankees will be targeting at the trade deadline.
“Brian Cashman could use a reliever and a third baseman followed by starting pitching coming in third among his needs.”
Fortunately, the Yankees are aware of their issues, and we are already seeing these rumors circulating.
Mitch Keller Rumors
Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that the Yankees are interested in Pirates starter Mitch Keller. The Pirates starter has put up a terrific season thus far, and it would make sense for the rebuilding Pirates to sell high on him. Over 20 starts, Keller has posted a 3.48 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. On top of his performance, he’s under contract through 2028.
While Carlos Rodon and Max Fried have been everything the Yankees hoped for this season, they are feeling the injuries of Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil. New York certainly could use a quality arm that could serve as a 3-4 starter. Keller would fill that void.
Bullpen Rumors
If you’re bringing up the pitching woes with the Yankees, the bullpen may be viewed as an even bigger issue. The bullpen’s ERA sits at over 4, and it’s clear they may need to add multiple arms. While the Yankees are expected to take a look at the trade market, they were recently rumored to be interested in signing a familiar face in David Robertson. The 40-year-old last pitched in the pinstripes back in 2018. He has a ton of big league experience and owns a career 2.91 ERA. While he’s getting up there in age, Robertson has still been extremely effective. Since 2022, the righty has 201 innings pitched with 258 strikeouts and a 2.82 ERA.
While it would Robertson would be a tremendous addition, the Yanks don’t have to stop there. High-end relievers such as Felix Bautista, Emmanuel Clase, and many others have been rumored to be on the trading block. Adding multiple pieces to the bullpen would do wonders for this pitching staff.
Trade Deadline Plan
Third base may be the biggest hole for the Bronx Bombers, but the offense is one of the very best in the MLB, even with abysmal production there. The pitching is what needs to end up most improved. If the Yanks add a starter and a couple of relievers, the postseason chances and outlook look much better. Robertson should be signed as soon as possible, as more and more contending teams will consider bringing him in. Adding him and making a couple of upgrades could very well be the difference in finally getting the Yankees over the hump for their first title since 2009.
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