Where will New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman turn at Thursday’s trade deadline?
The Yankees are 58-49 and sit four games back of the Toronto Blue Jays for the American League East lead, and are firmly in the Wild Card mix. But, many of the same problems continue to plague New York: high strikeout rates, lack of contact hitting, poor defense, and pitching injuries.
They are a quality ball club, but are they one that can repeat the pennant and finally win the World Series for the first time since 2009?
West Coast Flamethrower
MLB Insider Joel Sherman claims, via “New York Post Sports,” that Athletics closer Mason Miller is “coveted” by contenders, including the New York Yankees. Sherman had this to add:
“[Miller] would really shake up the market. We’ve talked about the high-end relief market and how many teams are in it, including the Mets and the Yankees,” Sherman said. “… Miller averages 101.2 MPH with his fastball. He’s hit 104.4, the highest in the sport, a bunch of times this year. The A’s are in a situation where they are playing for the future. Playing for Las Vegas.”
While the Athletics have several young, tantalizing bats, they are still a ways away from truly competing, even for a postseason spot, and could get a haul for Miller, who is not an unrestricted free agent until 2030.
Contenders will always vie for top relievers, and few on the viable market are more electric than Miller. He turns 27 at the end of August and has put together a solid campaign with a 3.76 ERA, a 2.86 FIP, 59 strikeouts to 18 walks, and 20 saves over 38 outings.
Miller was better as a rookie, when he earned All-Star honors and finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting, going 2-2 with a 2.49 ERA, a 2.18 FIP, 104 strikeouts to 21 walks, and 28 saves over 55 outings.
That dip could concern some, but his stuff is still fantastic, and sophomore slumps are the norm for MLB players.
How Do the Yankees Really Feel?
The New York Yankees have done well to bolster their depth and order versus left-handed pitching with guys like Amed Rosario and Austin Slater, and lefty Ryan McMahon should provide some pop at the bottom of the lineup.
But, with Aaron Judge on the mend and his future in the outfield in question, do the Yankees really want to make an all-in move like Miller? Beyond Judge’s waning health, this team still needs at least another quality starting pitcher and likely a dominant reliever or two to even compete in the AL.
Miller would form a dynamic trio with Luke Weaver and Devin Williams (if he ever rediscovers his confidence), and would help New York shorten games in October.
The Yankees do not seem intent on trading either of SS/2B George Lombard Jr. (No. 1) or OF Spencer Jones (No. 4), and due to injuries, RHP Cam Schlittler (No. 3) is more valuable than anticipated this summer.
Perhaps a package centered around guys like RHP Carlos Lagrange (No. 2), RHP Ben Hess (No. 7), and/or RHP Chase Hampton (No. 9) could entice the Athletics.
Miller is an immediate and future resource, and the price has to be right, but New York should be willing to sacrifice a significant group of prospects.
Yankees Reportedly Eyeing ‘Coveted’ All-Star Closer