NEW YORK — The New York Yankees are exploring potential trade deals to bolster their injury-depleted pitching rotation and add a versatile bat to their lineup. Recent reports linked them to some high-value targets, such as Eugenio Suarez of the Diamondbacks and Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes. However, these deals may force the Yankees to give up top farm assets.
Alternatively, the Yankees can pursue other deals that won’t coerce them to part away with Spencer Jones or George Lombard Jr, for high-stakes rentals. One framework under discussion would send right-hander Edward Cabrera and utility star Otto Lopez from Miami to the Yankees in exchange for three prospects. The trade could add both rotation depth and positional flexibility to their 26-man roster.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching on July 31, the Bronx Bombers are evaluating aggressive moves to stay in contention amid a rash of injuries, while the rebuilding Marlins eye a significant prospect haul for two controllable Major Leaguers.
The proposed framework would send Everson Pereira, Brock Selvidge, and Gage Ziehl to Miami. All three are on the Yankees’ 40-man roster or close to MLB-ready. The Marlins, entering a deep rebuild, could be tempted to flip two controllable big leaguers for a group of long-term assets.
Miami pitcher a targeted fit for Yankees’ roster holes
Cabrera, 27, offers the Yankees a high-upside arm at a time when their starting pitching depth is wearing thin. With Gerrit Cole recovering from Tommy John surgery and Clarke Schmidt sidelined until 2026, New York’s front office has been actively scouring the market for a cost-controlled starter. Cabrera, who owns a 3.33 ERA with 80 strikeouts across 78⅓ innings this season, fits the mold.
A former top-100 prospect, Cabrera features an electric fastball that routinely touches the upper 90s, paired with a devastating changeup. While his command has been inconsistent in the past, scouts say he’s shown growth in 2025.
“We just continue to see a more refined version of him as a pitcher,” Marlins manager Clayton McCullough said earlier this month.
Cabrera is under team control through the 2028 season, giving the Yankees both immediate help and long-term value. The move would slot him behind Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil, and Marcus Stroman, helping stabilize a rotation that ranks in the top five in team ERA but lacks depth behind its front end.
Adding a versatile contact bat
The second piece of the deal, Otto Lopez, would address New York’s need for infield and bench flexibility. The 26-year-old Lopez has quietly emerged as one of the most versatile defenders in baseball. In 2025, he’s played every infield position and all three outfield spots, while slashing .249/.318/.393 in 81 games.
His ability to make contact from the right side complements a Yankees lineup heavy on power but prone to strikeouts. With DJ LeMahieu is out and Oswald Peraza still struggling to establish himself, Lopez offers both coverage and upside. While he primarily plays second base and shortstop, he has experience and has played games at third base for the Miami Marlins. In 2023, he played five games at third base. In 2024, he’s also played six games (four starts) at third base,
Lopez is still in his pre-arbitration years and will not be eligible for free agency until after the 2028 season.
What Miami would get in return
Miami, which has fallen to the third slot in the NL East, is believed to be open to moving controllable players if the return is strong enough. Cabrera and Lopez would represent two of the more valuable assets on their roster.
The Yankees’ proposed return includes:
- Everson Pereira, 23: A former top-10 organizational prospect with elite raw power and a strong outfield arm. Pereira had a brief MLB stint in 2024 and has returned strong from injury in Triple-A.
- Brock Selvidge, 21: A fast-rising left-hander currently at Double-A Somerset. Scouts view him as a potential mid-rotation starter with a solid fastball-slider combo.
- Gage Ziehl, 22: A 2024 pick who profiles as organizational depth or a long reliever. His fastball command and high three-quarters delivery make this no. 13 prospect a class apart.
This package allows Miami to add a corner outfielder with pop, a high-upside RHP, and an MLB-ready arm without taking on additional salary.
Why the Yankees may pull the trigger
New York entered July with a comfortable lead in the AL East, but internal concerns remain about depth and playoff sustainability. Gerrit Cole’s absence has been masked by strong performances from Rodón and Fried, but the workload on young arms like Gil is a concern.
Manager Aaron Boone has emphasized the importance of versatility down the stretch.
“Guys that can move around and give us quality at-bats in different spots, that’s a big plus,” Boone said last week.
The acquisition of Cabrera and Lopez would address two key needs without requiring the Yankees to part with any of their elite prospects. Jasson Domínguez, George Lombard Jr., and Spencer Jones remain off the table in this scenario.
Market competition and outlook
Several teams are known to be monitoring Cabrera’s market, including the Cubs and Mets. Miami may choose to wait closer to the deadline to leverage additional offers. Still, the Yankees’ willingness to deal from the second tier of their prospect pool could move talks forward.
With Lopez providing defensive flexibility and Cabrera offering high-end upside, the Yankees could see this as a strategic add that won’t jeopardize the future. And with multiple clubs competing for frontline pitching, an early move could help New York stay ahead of the market.
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