The forthcoming August 1 trade deadline will be highly crucial for the New York Yankees. The reigning AL-East champions are likely to be active buyers. As the crucial second half commences in a day’s time, the Bombers’ front office has a daunting task on their desk. Many high-end potential targets have emerged in the past few weeks for the team.
Some are high-risk, high-value candidates, while some are low-risk, high-value targets. The task of choosing the right fit for the roster is up to the managerial duo Brian Cashman and Aaron Boone. Meanwhile, a recent report has linked a former CY Young Awardee pitcher, who is currently playing for the Guardians, to the Yankees. However, the asking price could put the team in a fix.
Guardian Pitcher Shane Bieber Linked To Yankees
As the trade deadline approaches, the latest rumor swirling around the baseball world is that the Yankees could be a potential landing spot for Cleveland Guardians’ ace Shane Bieber, the reigning American League Cy Young Award winner. Shane Bieber has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in baseball. Bieber has been a force on the mound for the Guardians. In 2020, he won the prestigious Cy Young Award after posting an outstanding 1.63 ERA and recording 122 strikeouts in just 77.1 innings pitched. Speaking of this season, his form has been just at par. In 19 starts, he has a 3.77 ERA with 95 strikeouts and 117 innings pitched.
Cleveland Guardians are currently leading the central division. However, with a record of 45-45 and being just at .500, their spot in the playoff is not guaranteed. Moreover, Shane Bieber is under their contract for 2024, which will make him an expensive pick. Having said that, it’s nothing the Yankees cannot afford at the moment. With Luis Severino struggling and Nestor Cortes on IL, the team needs a strong arm in the rotation. Carlos Rodon’s time on the mound is still restricted, which puts additional pressure on the bullpen. Moreover, pairing Bieber with Gerrit Cole, another former Cy Young Award winner, would create a dynamic duo at the top of the rotation and strike fear into opposing lineups. Hence, Bieber will surely resolve the Yankees pitching crisis for this season.
Rivals Target Yanks Top Shortstop Prospect Ahead Of Trade Deadline!
The New York Yankees will have to pay a heavy price at the upcoming trade deadline if they wish to add a strong face to the roster. Their farm system is filled with immense talents, which the rivals have set eyes on. Meanwhile, as per the latest rumors, many rivals have shown interest in the Yankees’ 11th-ranked prospect, shortstop Roderick Arias. The 18-year-old was the No. 1 international prospect when the Yankees signed him for $4 million in 2022.
As per MLB scouts, Arias’ batting skills are average and have a lot of room for improvement. But defensively, he has a strong arm, along with wide range and speed. The prospect is also viewed as a long-term shortstop solution for the Yankees. Hence, the Yanks must stay vigilant during trade negotiations and evaluate if its worth using Arias as a trade chip.