As the MLB trade deadline approaches, scouts and executives are advising the New York Yankees to prioritize strengthening their bullpen to maintain their competitive edge. Initially, the Yankees had clear plans for the deadline, but recent evaluations suggest a shift in focus may be necessary.
“If they can acquire a quality reliever, I believe they have what it takes to win a championship,” an MLB executive told SNY.
“The addition could potentially be Luis Gil, depending on his performance this season. It’s also beneficial that they’re welcoming back their ace, Gerrit Cole, now.”
Despite having the best record in the American League, recent losses to teams like the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, and Los Angeles Dodgers have highlighted weaknesses in the Yankees’ lineup. These shortcomings suggest more adjustments might be needed for a championship run in 2024.
Emerging needs for Yankees
Evaluators believe the Yankees must address several concerns before the trade deadline, including bolstering the bullpen, improving the catching position, and potentially upgrading at first or third base. The bullpen, in particular, has been a known area of need.
“They need more strikeouts, especially from their closer,” an unnamed scout noted. “And this was evident even before Clay Holmes had a rough week.”
Potential targets
The urgency for a quality reliever has intensified after Holmes allowed nine hits and six runs over four appearances, managing only two strikeouts. The Yankees might target players like Miami Marlins’ closer Tanner Scott or Chicago White Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet, known for his strikeout ability. Crochet, with his impressive strikeout rate of 12.6 batters per nine innings as a starter, is seen as a potential game-changer for the Yankees’ bullpen.
“He’s the type of player who could elevate a team like the Yankees,” another scout commented. “But he won’t come cheap.”
However, the Yankees’ ability to make such a move is uncertain. They traded away several pitchers in the Juan Soto deal, and top pitching prospect Chase Hampton has yet to pitch this season due to a shoulder injury. Crochet’s two additional years of control before free agency could also increase his acquisition cost.
Additional concerns
Concerns over Jose Trevino’s arm strength, especially after the Boston Red Sox exploited his defense last weekend, might push the Yankees to seek an upgrade at catcher. Furthermore, offensive production from first and third base is a concern, with Anthony Rizzo out for several weeks due to a forearm fracture. This situation has led the Yankees to evaluate rookie Ben Rice and recently acquired J.D. Davis.
Despite the emphasis on bullpen improvements, the unnamed executive highlighted that Yankees’ General Manager Brian Cashman might pursue other impactful players.
“However, I believe Cash sees this season as a make-or-break opportunity, especially with uncertainties surrounding Soto’s upcoming free agency. Therefore, I expect him to aggressively pursue trades to address our needs,” the executive concluded.
As the trade deadline nears, the Yankees face critical decisions that could determine their championship prospects.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
HEY CASHMAN , YOUR NOTHING BUT A CROSSEYED SCUMBAG !!!.
U HAD ALL WINTER LONG TO BUILD THE YANKEE EMPIRE WITH PLENTY OF QUALITY PROSPECTS TO SIGN WITH .
INSTEAD , YOU WASTE TIME AS USUAL AND MISS OUT ON GOLDEN OPPORTUNITIES 😀 !!!.
AGAIN …CASHMAN IS A DISGRACE TO THE ENTIRE YANKEE EMPIRE !!!.
THE HARDCORE YANKEE FANS UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WAT I’M TALKING ABOUT !!!. HE HASN’T DONE SHIT SINCE GEORGE PASSED AWAY .
IT SHOWS THAT THE GREAT GEORGE STEINBRENNER CALLED ALL THE SHOTS AND CASHMAN WAS HIS LITTLE JESTER !!!.
NEED TO SHITCAN CASHMAN AND SEND BOONE THE GOON TO THE MOON 🌙 !!!!.
Dude, relax. As the biggest Cashman basher around, at least I have specific reasons I give. Like not putting a real bullpen together, or agreeing to take Grisham on at $5.5M to sit on the bench. What are you particular gripes?
Brubaker & Effross will be back with about July 19, and Schmidt should be be in a rehab assignment by the time the trade deadline is here this year. That’s 3 arms right there. Hamilton makes it 4. Then throw in what they’ve done by DFA both Santana & Gonzalez, showing produce or be gone. That’s before factoring in any of the arms in Triple-A, or a trade.
Robby,
When Doom and Gloom Alan suggests you slow down on your Gripes. That really means a lot about the lack of sense they make.