The New York Yankees remain a popular team in ongoing MLB trade rumors before the clock strikes midnight on potential deals. With just hours remaining in the July 31, 2025, MLB trade deadline, the Yankees continue to be mentioned in potential deals to bolster the team’s pitching.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden explored potential trades around the MLB, including a deal that would send the Yankees multiple pitchers. Readers were able to submit trade proposals with Bowden evaluating which team would decline the potential trade.
The trade pitch in question has the Yankees acquiring both David Bednar and Mitch Keller from the Pittsburgh Pirates. New York gives up a lot in the proposed trade with outfielder Jasson Domínguez, pitcher Ben Hess and first baseman/catcher Ben Rice all going to Pittsburgh.
Let’s dive into the merits of the potential MLB trade for the Yankees and Pirates.
Yankees Rumors: Could New York Look to Trade for Pirates Pitchers David Bednar & Mitch Keller?
The Yankees would take on Keller’s five-year, $77 million contract which is slated to run through 2028. Despite the Pirates’ struggles, Keller is posting impressive numbers with 100 strikeouts and a 3.69 ERA in 2025.
Keller’s 4-10 record is more of an indication of Pittsburgh’s woes than the pitcher’s form. Regardless, Bowden sees the Yankees passing on this kind of deal given the package of players New York would have to give up.
“The Yankees say no,” Bowden wrote in a July 28, 2025, story titled, “Evaluating 21 MLB deadline trade proposals from readers: Who says no?” “This trade would really help the Yankees this year but at too much of a long-term price. Domínguez should continue to develop into a 20-25 home run corner outfielder.
“Rice is trending toward being the Yankees’ full-time first baseman for 2026 and beyond. This deal would be a short-term win for the Yankees but a long-term loss for them. Keep in mind: While Keller is signed for three more years (through 2028), Bednar is under team control for only one more year.”
The Yankees Have Been Linked to Paul Skenes, David Bednar & Mitch Keller in MLB Trade Rumors
The particulars of the deal could be different but there is some smoke to the Yankees attempting to strike a trade with the Pirates. New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees attempted to pry star pitcher Paul Skenes away from Pittsburgh.
“You can envision a world if you were spending money, perhaps you build around those guys, but I just don’t see that world existing.”
Keller and Bednar were also mentioned as pitchers New York has an interest in acquiring. There appears to be a disconnect between how the Yankees value Bednar with what the Pirates are seeking for the pitcher.
“The Yankees would likely only trade Spencer Jones if the Pirates reversed and listened to package for Paul Skenes. (Zero sign they will!)” Heyman detailed in a July 29, story titled, “Mets outfielder search has interesting wrinkle with Guardians’ popular trade chip Steven Kwan.”
“Though the Yankees were among teams to check on Oneil Cruz, he’s unlikely to be traded. Besides the untouchable iconic Skenes, the Yankees have interest in many Pirates (David Bednar, Mitch Keller, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Andrew Heaney),” Heyman added.
“The Yankees have seriously discussed Bednar, but there’s a real gap in talks. Santana was bad for the Yankees (and Mets), so he seems unlikely for them.”
Proposed MLB Trade Has Yankees Land $77 Million Pitcher In Last-Minute Move