NEW YORK — Brian Cashman called it “mission accomplished” despite a glaring omission.
The New York Yankees general manager made significant moves before Thursday’s MLB trade deadline. He acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from Colorado. He added utility man Amed Rosario from Washington. He completely overhauled the bullpen with David Bednar, Jake Bird and Camilo Doval.
Yet the Yankees failed to address their most pressing need. They did not add a single starting pitcher.
“I know we’re better today than we were yesterday, so mission accomplished there,” Cashman told reporters after the 6 p.m. ET deadline passed, according to MLB’s Bryan Hoch.
The admission comes after weeks of promises to address the rotation. The Yankees entered the deadline with three starters on the injured list. Gerrit Cole remains out following Tommy John surgery. Clarke Schmidt will miss the rest of the season after undergoing the same procedure. Luis Gil has been sidelined since February with a lat strain.
“Obviously, we’ve lost three starters out of our World Series rotation this year, so I definitely would look to see if I can find a starter,” Cashman said July 9. “I’d certainly love to import a starter, some relievers…and an infielder as well, if possible. But that’s a long list.”
Yankees rotation remains an issue
The Yankees’ starting pitching depth has been tested beyond reasonable limits. Max Fried and Carlos Rodon have carried the heaviest workload. Ryan Yarbrough provided unexpected help before landing on the injured list June 22 with an oblique strain.
The situation forced inexperienced arms into prominent roles. The Yankees have used spot starters and bullpen games to navigate through recent weeks. Their 4.21 team ERA ranks 20th in MLB.
Multiple starting pitchers changed teams Thursday. Merrill Kelly went from Arizona to Texas. Sandy Alcantara remained with Miami despite trade speculation.
The Yankees were linked to several available starters throughout July. They reportedly had scouts evaluating options across the league. No deal materialized.
“We try to improve every aspect of the club, and this is what we have to show for these efforts,” Cashman said. “We certainly knocked on many doors regarding potential starting pitching, but, obviously, we weren’t able to match up in that category.”
According to Chris Kirschner, “Before the deadline passed, multiple sources told The Athletic that the Yankees held substantive conversations centered on trading for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 National League Cy Young Award winner.”
“You’re used to so many conversations that lead to nowhere, but we were able to push through on a lot of these conversations, and that’s what we’re here to talk about,” Cashman added. “Can’t really talk about the ones that we couldn’t make. There was a lot of effort and a lot of different arenas, but they were not to be. We’re excited about the additions, and we’re excited by the players we have. So we’re looking for that coming together for the final sprint and hopefully doing great things.”
Is financial reality check real reason?
Cashman hinted at financial constraints during his pre-deadline media session Wednesday.
“We pursue options,” Cashman said. “But they’re within everything that our ownership provides for us to do. It doesn’t mean that we can do everything at any time.”
The Yankees’ payroll commitments have created limitations. They are paying Aaron Hicks $10 million this season despite his departure. The Giancarlo Stanton contract continues through 2027. They recently designated DJ LeMahieu for assignment while absorbing his remaining salary.
“At some point, you may run out of how much money you’re spending, and some big log may be too much to add to the fire,” Cashman explained.
Bullpen overhaul provides hope
The Yankees did address their second-most pressing need. The bullpen additions represent a significant upgrade for a unit that struggled throughout June and July.
Bednar brings All-Star credentials and closer experience. The 30-year-old right-hander posted a 2.19 ERA with 16 saves for Pittsburgh this season. He remains under team control through 2026.
Bird offers additional years of control through 2028. Doval adds another former closer to the mix after saving 39 games for San Francisco in 2023.
“Yankees’ depth starter is recovering slower than expected,” read recent injury reports. The bullpen improvements should help preserve leads when starters exit early.
Third base solution
McMahon addresses the Yankees’ long-standing third base issues. The Gold Glove winner provides defensive stability and left-handed power. He has hit 14 home runs with a .751 OPS this season.
Rosario adds versatility across the infield. The veteran can play multiple positions and has already been praised as an “elite vibes guy” by teammates.
The moves allowed Jazz Chisholm Jr. to return to second base full-time. Chisholm had struggled defensively at third, committing three errors in four games last week.
The Gil gamble
Yankees officials have repeatedly cited Luis Gil’s eventual return as a rotation boost. The 2024 AL Rookie of the Year continues his recovery from the lat strain.
“Luis Gil is like a trade deadline addition,” has become a common organizational refrain.
Gil dominated during his rookie season. His return would provide needed depth. But relying on an injured pitcher carries obvious risks.
Current projections have Gil returning in late July or early August. The Yankees must survive until then with their current group.
Division race tightens
The Yankees’ rotation concerns come at a critical time. They have fallen three games behind Toronto in the AL East after leading the division for much of the season.
A six-game losing streak in June included a 30-inning scoreless drought. Another six-game skid followed in July. The team sits at 50-41 after Thursday’s loss to Seattle.
Boston has surged into wild-card contention. Baltimore lurks just behind. The margin for error has evaporated.
Yankees’ way forward
Cashman expressed confidence in the moves made. The bullpen should be significantly better. The defense improves with McMahon at third base. The offense gains more balance.
But questions persist about the rotation’s ability to withstand two more months. The Yankees bet on health and internal improvement rather than external additions.
Time will tell if Cashman’s calculated gamble pays off. The Yankees improved in multiple areas Thursday. Whether they improved enough without addressing their biggest weakness remains to be seen.
The pursuit of a 28th championship continues. It will do so without the starting pitching help many expected.
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