The New York Yankees might not be done making major moves ahead of the 6 p.m. deadline after acquiring two-time All-Star closer David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Athletic’s senior baseball writer Ken Rosenthal told the “Foul Territory” podcast that the Yankees are still seeking more pitching help.
“The Yankees still want another bullpen arm, at least one more. They are also looking at starting pitching as well. I’ve heard they’re in on [Sandy] Alcantara and others. I do not expect they are done,” said Rosenthal.
"The Yankees still want another bullpen arm."@Ken_Rosenthal doesn't expect the Yankees to be done after acquiring David Bednar. pic.twitter.com/RD6RiNgTLE
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) July 31, 2025
The Yankees already bolstered their bullpen Wednesday, adding Bednar to join Luke Weaver and Devin Williams at the back end. New York also acquired right-handed reliever Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, according to The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner. Bird carries a 4.73 ERA in 45 appearances but owns a stronger 3.45 FIP.
The additions address clear needs, as the Yankees’ bullpen ranks 21st in ERA (4.24) and 20th in both WHIP (1.31) and home runs allowed (49).
The Yankees have acquired Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, a source told @TheAthleticMLB. @JackCurryYES was first.
— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) July 31, 2025
New York is also targeting starting pitching with Gerrit Cole, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt all sidelined. Alcantara, the 2023 National League Cy Young winner, has struggled this year with the Miami Marlins after missing all of 2024 due to Tommy John surgery. The right-hander sits at 6-9 with a 6.36 ERA, 69 ERA+, and minus-1.3 bWAR, though he’s allowed no earned runs across his last two starts (12 innings).
If the Marlins move Alcantara, they’d be selling low on a pitcher owed $17.3 million in 2026 with a $21 million club option for 2027.
At 59-49 entering Thursday’s game against Tampa Bay, the Yankees trail Toronto by four games in the AL East but hold the first Wild Card spot. Additional moves could help close that division gap.
