After missing out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto, the New York Yankees are actively seeking ways to strengthen their pitching staff and remain competitive in the postseason. While the team already boasts top pitchers like Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Nestor Cortes, the front office recognizes the need for additional reliable starters. Despite the challenges in the free-agent market, the Yankees may turn to the trade market to secure pitching talent. Here are three potential trade targets for the Yankees:
1. **Shane Bieber:**
– The former Cy Young Award winner may not be at his 2020 peak, but Bieber has consistently performed well with an ERA below 3.80 since his rookie season in 2018. Heading into a contract year with the Guardians and set to earn around $12.2 million in 2024, Bieber could be enticed by the prospect of contending for a championship with the Yankees. At just 28 years old, he offers several productive years ahead.
2. **Dylan Cease:**
– Despite not having received All-Star honors or major MLB awards, Cease emerged as the AL Cy Young runner-up in 2022, showcasing his lethal pitching abilities. Rumors of Cease being on the trade block have surfaced, making him an attractive option for the Yankees. Still under contract through 2025 and set to turn 28 in December, Cease provides a long-term solution to the team’s pitching needs.
3. **Corbin Burnes:**
– The availability of the 2021 Cy Young winner is uncertain, with reports suggesting the Milwaukee Brewers may be hesitant to trade their ace. However, Burnes presents the exact type of talent the Yankees should pursue—a 29-year-old pitcher with the potential to be an impact starter in the postseason. While Burnes aims to reach free agency before committing to a long-term deal, the Yankees, with their financial capabilities, could be among the few teams capable of offering top-dollar contracts after the 2024 season.
As the Yankees navigate the offseason, these pitchers represent viable trade targets who could bolster the team’s pitching rotation and contribute to their postseason aspirations. The front office will likely explore these options to address the void left by the unsuccessful pursuit of Yoshinobu Yamamoto.
