Jason Burgos
The New York Yankees are right in the thick of the Wild Card and American League East race. Pinstripes general manager Brian Cashman is always active before the trade deadline. However, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggested Friday the Yanks may be more aggressive than usual to improve the roster this month.
“The Yankees are definitely going to get after it,” Rosenthal said on the “Foul Territory Show.” “Brian Cashman has said, ‘We’re going to town.’ And they have very obvious needs. Starting pitcher being one. Bullpen help is the most important thing they can do. And yes, third base. Especially with Jazz [Chisholm] back at second. They want to improve in all of those areas.”
If the Yankees do go big game hunting before the July 31 MLB trade deadline, here are six stars they could target in a blockbuster deal.
Sandy Alcantara
Sandy Alcantara has had a tough time trying to recapture his elite form in his first season back from Tommy John surgery. However, scouts around the game expect the 2022 NL Cy Young to return eventually. That could come just in time for the playoffs and make him a massive addition in October. His rough season will help make a deal easier. Furthermore, he has two years left on his deal at an affordable rate.
Related: New York Yankees Reportedly Now in Trade Mix for Coveted All-Star Pitcher
Eugenio Suarez
Arizona Diamondbacks All-Star Eugenio Suarez has been linked to New York for weeks. While he will be a rental and will surely test his value in free agency after the season, he would be a huge addition for the second half. The 34-year-old is having the best season of his career and is on pace to potentially hit 60 home runs this year. Pairing him with Aaron Judge over the final months of the season will strike fear in AL rivals.
Zac Gallen
Diamondbacks pitcher Zac Gallen wouldn’t be a blockbuster addition on his own, but there is a good chance he would come in a huge deal that includes Suarez. He has had a down season in 2025. Nevertheless, he is a rock-solid pitcher who adds more depth to the rotation, and he was a big part of Arizona’s trip to the World Series two years ago.
Related: Yankees To Trade for Jose Ramirez? Top Reporter Makes Huge Deadline Prediction
Emmanuel Clase
Emmanuel Clase is an elite closer who could very well be up for grabs before July 31st. Having a back end of the bullpen that features the three-time All-Star, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver is the kind of trio that can help carry a team to a World Series title. While he won’t come cheap, he is under team control for three more seasons.
Chris Sale
The Atlanta Braves have claimed they won’t trade Chris Sale before the MLB trade deadline. But with the team nearly 10 games out of the final Wild Card spot, what is the point of holding on to the nine-time All-Star? With him having one more year left on his deal, the Braves might be able to squeeze some premium prospects out of New York in a deal. Adding a future Hall of Famer like Sale for the stretch run would be huge.
Related: MLB Scout Thinks 3 Specific Trade Deadline Additions Would Guarantee Yankees World Series Return
Ryan McMahon
The New York Yankees have been linked to Colorado Rockies third baseman Ryan McMahon for months. They have the pieces to get a deal done. However, the Rockies have few impact players on the roster, and they are not known for making big in-season trades. If they can get top 10 prospects from the Yanks system, they should seriously consider moving the one-time All-Star.
