Somehow, being competitive into July has become surprising for the Bronx Bombers, who have missed the playoffs the past two seasons. With their newfound competitiveness, though, comes plenty of rumors, including those about potential trades at the deadline. Here are the five most important for the New York Yankees as the season passes the halfway point.
5. Johnny Cueto and Cole Hamels Both On Their Radar
Getty ImagesJohnny Cueto and Cole Hamels are the two best pitchers available this trade deadline, and naturally, the Yankees are interested in both of them. That doesn’t mean they’re going to pull off a deal for either of them, but it probably means they’ll try. Their rotation has been stronger than expected this season, but down the stretch, you can never have enough depth in that area.
4. Could Target Ben Zobrist For Lineup Help
Getty ImagesIt seems that as the days go by, Ben Zobrist’s trade stock continues to rise. He’s one of only a few position players rumored to be available this trade deadline and his versatility is what makes him such a catch. He can play just about anywhere in the field, provides a veteran presence in the clubhouse and still swings a pretty good bat. Guys like that don’t just grow on trees at the trade deadline, and it makes sense the Yankees would try to add someone like him to their roster.
3. Team Could Trade Adam Warren or Nathan Eovaldi
Debby Wong-USA TODAY SportsIn recent days, talk has heated up about the team potentially moving one of these two young pitchers after ESPN’s Buster Olney speculated they might be able to make a deal with the Cubs who are looking for team-controlled young pitching. The Yankees could use some of the talented position prospects the Cubs possess, and the Cubs could land a young pitcher at a fraction of the cost of some other pitchers on the market.
2. Could Explore Deals For Andrew Cashner or Tyson Ross
Getty ImagesAnother rumor that has heated up in New York lately is the fact they’re interested in both Andrew Cashner and Tyson Ross, two up-and-coming young pitchers for the San Diego Padres. It might be too difficult to get either of those guys away from the Padres, but the Yankees certainly seem willing to make a move. Either one of Cashner or Ross would give the Yankees great depth in the rotation, which will be essential down the stretch.
1. Favor Clay Buchholz and Jeff Samardzija On Trade Market
Bob DeChiara-USA Today SportsOf all the pitchers on the trade market, most indications are that the team favors Clay Buchholz and Jeff Samardzija to others they could acquire. It’s hard to imagine the Red Sox would trade Buchholz to a division rival, especially since they’re not completely out of the race themselves. Samardzija, though, makes a lot of sense. He will be a free agent this offseason, he’s playing on a last place team and he has struggled this year, which might make his trade value lower than normal. If the Yankees can put the right package of prospects together for him, he might be the most reasonable pitching option at the deadline.
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