With the MLB trade deadline quickly approaching, several teams are looking for last-minute upgrades to push their team into contention. With the American League East looking extremely competitive this year, the New York Yankees are eyeing just how much they can be involved in trade talks. With pitching depth still a potential issues, the Yankees have sent scouts out to check out several players with a potential deal in the works.
According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, the Yankees sent a scout to check out Johnny Cueto who is believed to be on the market as he is in the final year of his contract and set to earn $10 million. The scout saw Cueto pitch against the Chicago Cubs where he gave up four runs and seven hits in over seven innings while striking out nine batters. Cueto is currently working off a 4-4 record with a 2.85 ERA and would be a huge upgrade to the Yankees' rotation.
New York must decide exactly how badly they need a starting pitcher. Injuries have been an issue for a good portion of this year. The team is set to get Ivan Nova back into the rotation in the coming weeks after he finally got healthy. Nova will be inserted immediately into the rotation as players like Adam Warren will likely be sent back down. Masahiro Tanaka has returned to full health while players like CC Sabathia and Michael Pineda have been up and down this year.
Any team would love to get Cueto after he finished second in National League Cy Young voting last season. There are other pitchers available for trades as well the Yankees could add. Cole Hamels remains an option along with Jordan Zimmermann. Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija are available with the Chicago White Sox.
According to the New York Post, the Yankees would likely have to give up Luis Severino which would be a huge blow considering he is a top prospect. The Yankees could try and offer up Ramon Flores or Bryan Mitchell in a package and hope that is appealing to any team. The Yankees have the assets to acquire another top pitcher, but general manager Brian Cashman must evaluate how big the need really is.
