With the trade deadline fast approaching, the New York Yankees have shown interest in Chicago White Sox reliever Michael Kopech. According to a claim made by Bruce Levine of 670 The Score, the Yankees, along with the Kansas City Royals and Philadelphia Phillies, have been actively scouting Kopech in recent weeks.
Seeking to bolster their bullpen, the Yankees are eyeing Kopech for his impressive velocity, which averages 98.7 mph on his fastball. So far this season, Kopech has made 29 appearances, posting a 4.91 ERA, striking out 43 batters, and recording five saves.
Financially, Kopech presents a cost-effective option for the Yankees. Currently on a one-year, $3 million deal with the White Sox, he is arbitration-eligible after this season and won’t become a free agent until after the 2025 season, according to Spotrac.
As the Yankees aim for their first World Series title since 2009, a robust bullpen is essential. The Yankees’ relievers have been performing admirably, ranking third in the league with a 3.19 ERA. Acquiring Kopech could further fortify their bullpen, enhancing their postseason prospects.
Yankees also eye Chicago’s Crochet
With the best rotation ERA in Major League Baseball at 2.78 as of Friday, the New York Yankees are reportedly aiming to further strengthen their pitching staff by targeting one of the top starting pitchers anticipated to be available at the upcoming trade deadline. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have expressed strong interest in acquiring Garrett Crochet from the Chicago White Sox.
At just 24, Crochet has quickly established himself as one of baseball’s most promising young pitchers. This season, he transitioned from a reliever to a starter and has excelled in his first 15 starts. In his latest outing on Thursday against the Seattle Mariners, Crochet impressed by pitching seven innings, allowing just one run, and striking out 13 batters.
Following this performance, Crochet’s season stats include a 6-5 record with a 3.16 ERA and 116 strikeouts, tying him for the most in the majors. He also leads all MLB pitchers with 12.6 strikeouts per nine innings. Before his move to the starting rotation, Crochet had already demonstrated his prowess as a reliever, posting a 2.71 ERA over 73 innings with 75 strikeouts in his initial seasons.
As the July 30 trade deadline nears, Crochet has become one of the most coveted pitchers on the market, with the Yankees among the teams actively pursuing his acquisition.
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