Madison Bumgarner and Marcus Stroman are getting all the attention from Yankees fans, but these players also could impact acquisitions.
There is no debating that New York Yankees need pitching in order to win the world series. The fan base knows it, Brian Cashman knows it, and even the current players know it.
With the Yankees needing another arm Madison Bumgarner, Marcus Stroman, Trevor Bauer, and other names have been mentioned as potential additions for the Yankees at the trade deadline.
However, there is a whole group of players generating little to no buzz that the Yankees should look into at this month’s trade deadline. Let’s take a look at three of them.
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LHP, Robbie Ray Arizona Diamondbacks
Just recently there have been a few reports linking the Yankees to Diamondbacks starter Robbie Ray. It’s hard to believe it took so long because Ray on paper is a perfect fit in the Bronx.
With Arizona clearly a seller after trading Paul Goldschmidt last off-season Ray will almost certainly be on the market. The 27-year-old southpaw has posted a 4.10 ERA in 18 starts this season and has struck out 129 batters in just 98.2 innings.
The former all-star has playoff experience as he helped Arizona grab a wild card spot and make it to the ALDS in 2017.
Ray would fit perfectly in the middle of the Yankees rotation that badly needs depth and could always benefit from another tough left-hander.
RHP, Jordan Lyles Pittsburgh Pirates
In the wide-open National League Central, the Pirates still have some hope of making the postseason despite being a team that’s expected to finish last in the division.
If the Pirates do drop out of the race, there’s a good chance they move one of their many talented starters to help rebuild a minor league system feeling the pain of losing Austin Meadows and Tyler Glasnow.
One name they could move is Jordan Lyles. Lyles is a 28-year-old right-hander has been in the majors since 2011 and is in the midst of the best year of his carer.
In 2019, opposing batters are hitting just .229 against Lyles who’s posted a 3.71 ERA in 13 starts last season.
Another benefit in acquiring Lyles is he can easily shift to a bullpen role. Last season he pitched 11 games out of the bullpen for the Brewers and posted a 3.31 ERA with hitters batting just .203 against him.
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He may not be an impact ace, but if the Yankees were to acquire Lyles, they’d get an arm who can help the team win many different ways.
RHP, Trevor Richards Miami Marlins
It’s safe to say not many Yankees fans would be all too happy if a Miami Marlins pitcher ends up being the guy the team trades for at the deadline.
However, 26-year-old Trevor Richards could make a lot of sense for the Bombers.
Richards has pitched to a solid 4.02 ERA in 17 starts this season and has held opposing batters to a .239 average against.
In just his second year in the majors, Richards has emerged as a leader in the Marlins rotation and someone who’s averaged over five innings per start.
In the Bronx, he could solidify the middle of the rotation and be a guy the team can further develop as he is under contract until 2025.