The New York Yankees have been one of the best teams in baseball this season, but a recent slump has pushed them down the standings as the MLB trade deadline nears. Coming off a trip to the World Series, New York now needs to find the pieces that can help it win its first championship since 2009.
During an appearance on MLB Network, insider Jon Heyman said that the lack of starting pitching available on the trade market this summer will limit New York’s ability to address its rotation. Instead, the Yankees’ front office is focusing on the bullpen.
“There probably will not be a ton of great starters out there for them to look at. They need bullpen, and that’s what they are gonna go for.”
Jon Heyman on the New York Yankees approach to MLB trade deadline
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- New York Yankees bullpen stats (FanGraphs): 3.48 ERA, 1.28 WHIP (14th), .224 batting average allowed (8th), 25% K-rate
Entering MLB games today, the Yankees’ bullpen has worked the 12th-fewest innings (269.1) in the majors. The relievers have largely been effective this season, especially Luke Weaver (1.71 ERA) and Tim Hill (2.67 ERA).
However, Ryan Yarbrough (oblique strain) just hit the injured list, and New York’s rotation depth is already being tested early with mounting injuries. Strengthening the bullpen would give manager Aaron Boone more late-inning options, especially during a potential playoff run.
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While there are some clear sellers this summer—like the Colorado Rockies, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Miami Marlins—both World Series contenders and fringe playoff teams will be competing for pitching. It’s also possible that the Yankees explore a trade for infield depth this summer, prioritizing half-season rentals who can play multiple positions.
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