Last week, the New York Yankees lost starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt for the year due to Tommy John Surgery. Suddenly, the American League East club’s rotation is thin.
There are significant questions about what veteran Marcus Stroman and youngster Will Warren can provide the rest of the way. As Schmidt’s temporary replacement, New York promoted right-hander Cam Schlittler for Wednesday night’s matchup against the Seattle Mariners.
With the trade deadline looming, general manager Brian Cashman should explore countless opportunities to improve the Yankees’ roster on both sides of the ball. Perhaps the struggling Athletics, who are likely to be sellers, can help.
Yankees Tabbed as ‘Perfect’ Suitor for A’s Veteran Pitcher
As mentioned, the Athletics are unlikely to secure an AL postseason spot, sitting 11 games behind the third Wild Card spot as of Thursday afternoon.
FanSided’s Jake Elman wrote Wednesday that A’s starting pitcher Jeffrey Springs should be on the New York Yankees’ radar and that there’s little to no reason for the AL West club to hold on to the lefty.
“Itâs only a matter of when, not if, the lowly Aâs officially wave the white flag and transition to 2026,” Elman wrote. “Thereâs no legitimate reason for the Athletics to keep Springs, who is under control for another two years; he has one season remaining on a four-year, $31 million contract, and then a $15 million club option for 2027.”
Springs, an eight-year veteran, has a 3.92 ERA and is averaging 7.1 strikeouts per nine innings in his first season with the A’s. The A’s acquired him in a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays this past December. Springs made seven starts for the Rays last season after returning from Tommy John Surgery.
How Springs Can Help Yankees’ Rotation
Cy Young Award candidate Max Fried leads the New York Yankees’ rotation, with key pitchers Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil on the injured list.
Gil, who hasn’t thrown a pitch this season for the Yankees due to a high-grade lat strain, will start a rehab assignment at Double-A Somerset this Sunday. The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year may require extra time to build up his pitch count as he nears a return to the Major Leagues.
Regardless, the Yankees could be in the market for a starter, and Springs fits the bill. Nonetheless, the A’s asking price may be high for the 32-year-old.
“Springs also may not come cheap, and not just because he has a $10.5 million salary this year and next. The Aâs sent three players and a draft pick to the Rays for Springs and pitcher Jacob Lopez last offseason. It doesnât make sense for the Aâs to trade Springs without getting at least one MLB-ready prospect back in return,” wrote Elman.
The Yankees would be wise to inquire about Springs. Depending on the health of Gil by the end of the regular season and October, Springs could slot in as the Yankees’ third starter in a potential postseason series.
There may be better pitchers on the trade deadline market, but Spring’s presence could help the Yankees not only this season, but next.
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