The MLB trade deadline is approaching its course this Tuesday. And the tensions are arising in the franchises to make some crucial transfers before the final two months of the season kick-off. After adding depth to the outfield by acquiring Andrew Benintendi on Wednesday, the New York Yankees are actively working on getting some starting pitchers. The Yankees have one of the greatest starters in Gerrit Cole, along with Nestor Cortes.
However, Cortes has already pitched his highest innings (101.2) in an MLB season. Thus, adding depth to the pitching department would be a sensible move for the Yankees, who are currently leading the American League. The Bombers have an amazing record of 69-34 this season and trail the Los Angeles Dodgers in terms of points percentage for the best record in MLB.
Recently, the New York Post reported that the Bombers are eyeing Cincinnati Reds right-hander Luis Castillo. The 29-year-old is the franchise\’s prime target in the starting department. However, Castillo may not come as a fairly easy trade like Andrew Benintendi. Luis missed out on the first four months of the season due to a shoulder injury. However, the 29-year-old has been completely fit since his season debut in May. Castillo has an ERA of 2.86 this season with 90 strikeouts in 85 innings. Moreover, the two-time All-Star will be under team control for one more season. Hence, the Pinstripers might have to give up at least one significant prospect capital.
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The Yankees only gave up three non-crucial pitchers, including T.J. Sikkema, Beck Way, and Chandler Champlain, in exchange for Benintendi. None of the three pitchers made it to the top ten of the Kansas City prospect rankings. Thus, if the Bombers really want Castillo, they would have to be willing to make sacrifices. However, at the same time, the Yankees are eyeing other pitchers who could join the squad if the Castillo deal does not work out.
Other Pitching Preferences By The Yankees
Some of the other starting pitchers who are behind Luis Castillo in terms of priority are Frankie Montas, Noah Syndergaard, and Jose Quintana. Montas will also be under team control in 2023. The Athletics pitcher was sidelined due to a flared-up shoulder in July for two weeks. However, the 29-year-old has thrown eight innings since his return in late July.
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Moreover, Noah Syndergaard is another bright pitching prospect who could fit in with the Yankees. The Angels pitcher signed a one-year, $21m deal with the franchise in November and would remain a rental this season. The 2016 All-Star had an ERA of 3.83 in 15 starts. However, his 7.2 strikeouts per nine innings are currently the lowest of his career.
Jose Quintana is another player who could fit in if the Yankees lose Castillo. The 33-year-old is on a one-year, $2 million deal with the Pirates. In 19 starts, the 33-year-old has an ERA of 3.70, with 85 strikeouts in 97.1 innings.
