The New York Yankees Look to Make a Splash: Potential Trade Targets Before the Deadline
The New York Yankees have been one of the best teams in the MLB this season, including being the first team to reach the 50-win threshold. With the World Series in mind, let’s take a look at possible trade targets for the Yankees to pursue before the July 30 deadline.
The most important area the Yankees need help in currently is in the pitching rotation/bullpen. As noticed in the most recent two games where the Yankees have been outscored by a combined score of 25-6, help is needed desperately. With injuries to Cody Poteet, Clarke Schmidt, Johnathan Loáisiga as well as top prospect Chase Hampton, pitching has been a dark spot on this otherwise extremely talented team.
Veteran reliever Tim Hill and the New York Yankees are in agreement on a one-year deal, sources tell ESPN. The 34-year-old left-hander was DFA'd by the White Sox last week and will join a banged-up Yankees bullpen.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) June 20, 2024
Some steps have already been taken to bolster the lineup with the addition of Tim Hill, first reported by ESPN’s Jeff Passan. Additionally, star right-handed pitcher (RHP) Gerrit Cole was activated off the 60-day injured list on Wednesday. While these steps are good in the short term and will certainly help, there’s a deeper issue that needs to be solved if the Yankees want to be playing in October. With all that in mind, some options are at play.
1. Mason Miller
Photo Courtesy: Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images
Miller has had an exepctional season with the Oakland Athletics in 2024. His 2.14 ERA and 13 saves would be crucial benefits to a Yankees team who has struggled giving up an abundance of runs lately, including multiple late-game collapses. Keeping runs low while allowing the offense to stay fresh and return to the “Bronx Bombers” style of play is one way the Yankees could continue their trajectory into the postseason.
2. Garrett Crochet
Photo Courtesy: Patrick Gorski, USA TODAY Sports
Crochet was a top-15 pick in the draft just four years ago and has already made a name for himself in the majors. While a 6-6 record and a 3.27 ERA does not scream success, Crochet’s numbers are influenced by the fact he plays for the Chicago White Sox, the worst team in the league. Crochet would fit right in with the Yankees and it’s to be imagined that he would be happy to get out of the White Sox organization and onto a team who are serious contenders for the World Series. The Yankees have a solid farm system currently, which gives them flexibility that would be needed to persuade a player like Crochet from the White Sox.
3. Tyler Anderson
Photo Courtesy: Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press
Another player coming from an organization who has been stuck in the mud, Tyler Anderson of the Los Angeles Angels would surely benefit from a change of scenery. Anderson’s 2.63 ERA across his 13 starts is an impressive feat. Those types of statistics are exactly what a team like the Yankees need to shore up their rotation for the season, the playoffs and the future.
Anderson’s $13 million per year contract could dissuade some teams from pursuing the talented thrower, but the Yankees in particular are an organization where money seems to be just a number rather than an issue. The acquisition of a veteran like Anderson would offer a guiding hand in the clubhouse.
While making one of these acquisitions certainly does not guarantee a World Series appearance, strengthening the rotation and bringing in more talent will be paramount in increasing the odds for the AL-East leading Yankees.
