In this first segment of our Unhinged Yankees mailbag series, we go over and discuss numerous Yankees topics including possible trade deadline candidates, Gleyber Torres, Justus Sheffield, and more.
1. Is Zach Britton realistic? – Kyle
Realistic? Definitely. However, is it likely the in-division Orioles deal their star closer to the Yankees? Who knows. Britton is just two seasons removed from an unreal 0.54 ERA season in 2016, a season where he placed 4th in AL Cy Young voting.
Jon Heyman of FanCred reported Sunday night that they are indeed one of at least four clubs who seem serious with their inquiries of the left-hander. Whether or not this report is true or not, the addition of an elite southpaw to the Yankee bullpen certainly would be a nice boost to a right-handed heavy staff. With a little over a week left before the non-waiver trade deadline, the answer to this question looms close.
Field of interested teams for Britton is expanding. Braves are interested (they have the prospects, but will they give them up?) Rockies have checked in. Even Brewers, who have stacked pen. Hou, Cubs, LAD, NYY all seem serious. Others, too.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 22, 2018
2. Why isn’t Justus Sheffield up? – Colin
To start, he isn’t currently on the 40-man roster. If and when the Yankees do call him up, they will have to DFA a player to make room for the southpaw.
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However, if management feels he is MLB ready, then they likely wouldn’t wait too long to clear a spot for him. Through 12 Triple-A games, Sheffield has posted a strong 2.44 ERA while holding opposing hitters to a .211 BAA. The numbers are certainly there, but his 2018 big-league fate likely is just a matter of what occurs before the trade deadline hits.
3. What is a realistic starting pitcher the Yankees could acquire? – Tom
At this point, if they are to deal for a starter, J.A. Happ of the Blue Jays seems like the most rumored fit. The 35-year-old currently holds a 4.18 ERA, 4.03 FIP, in 114 innings while striking out 130 batters.
Being a veteran lefty with postseason experience (3.72 ERA in 19.1 innings) alone should make Brian Cashman keep him in his sight. Other names the club has been linked to Michael Fulmer (DET), Carlos Martinez (STL), Mike Fiers (DET).
4. Is Gleyber Torres a lock for AL Rookie of the Year?
Can’t say he is a lock as we are still less than 100 games into the season, but definitely the favorite at this point. His teammate Miguel Andujar and Angels’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani are really the only real competition he has, but anything can happen. With a .294/.350/.555 slash and 15 homers in 63 games, it’s safe to say he’s the frontrunner.
5. Is Chris Archer a possible deadline target?
I’d say it’s certainly possible. The 29-year-old is under team control through the 2021 season, and besides a DL stint in 2018, has been one of the most durable starting pitchers in the game. Since his first full season in the big leagues in 2014, Archer has made at least 32 starts for four straight years. The Yankees interest is most likely there, but it probably just depends on how high the Rays’ asking price is. And for a durable starter who’s under control for 3 ½ more seasons, Brian Cashman will have a tough time swindling a deal in his favor.
Filthy 92mph Slider from Chris Archer pic.twitter.com/g4QdH0F2bl
— Pitcher List (@PitcherList) May 21, 2017
If you’d like to submit a question to possibly be featured in next week’s Monday Mailbag, DM it to @DanAlanRourke on Twitter.