The Yankees are making waves as the trade deadline looms, with insider Tom Verducci hinting at the possibility of one more player arriving in the Bronx.
This speculation follows the recent signing of Jazz Chisholm, announced last Saturday. While Verducci teased this potential addition, he did not disclose any specific names.
Last Sunday, Jack Flaherty emerged as a potential target for the Yankees, and with the latest rumors, he might be the name to watch.
What’s the plan?
Another insider, Bob Nightengale, reports that the Yankees are deep in “extensive trade talks” for Tigers starting pitcher Jack Flaherty, with plans to trade starter Nestor Cortes if they manage to land Flaherty.
Jack Flaherty boasts a 2.95 ERA over 18 starts this season. He ranks fifth in strikeout rate (32%) and seventh in walk rate (4.6%) among pitchers with over 100 innings pitched this season. His 0.96 WHIP is tied for the fourth-best in MLB.
With all this news, it’s clear that the Yankees are working hard to bring new talent to the team, potentially adding another star to the most valuable and iconic uniform in baseball.
Nestor Cortes out of the Yankees’ plans?
While the Yankees are clear-cut buyers at the trade deadline, they might sell at least one major-league piece to land more talent. Nestor Cortes’ name has surfaced in trade discussions, as reported by Jon Heyman on Monday. The Yankees are juggling several potential deals ahead of Tuesday’s 6 p.m. deadline.
Another target for the Yankees?
According to NY POST, Yankees are also interested in Cardinals utilityman Tommy Edman, who has been on the injured list all season following offseason wrist surgery and a sprained ankle during rehab. However, the Cardinals are reportedly trading Edman to the Dodgers in a deal that will send Erick Fedde to the Cardinals.
If the Yankees trade Nestor Cortes, they will need another move to fill the hole in their rotation, with Clarke Schmidt not expected back from the IL until late August. The Yankees are reportedly among the teams checking in on Giants left-hander Blake Snell, though it remains uncertain whether the Giants will sell.
Through 22 starts this season, Cortes has a 4.13 ERA across 124 ⅓ innings. He has struggled in his last three starts, giving up 15 runs in 13 ⅓ innings against the Rays and Red Sox.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
Unless Nestor goes back in the deal for Flaherty, why not just put him in the bullpen as a legit longman? Between all the starters, he’d have opportunities to go 3 innings or so at least once every time through the rotation.