A popular New York Yankees podcast has floated a trade pitch that could address the team’s early-season rotation crisis heading into 2026. Talkin’ Yanks co-host Talkin’ Jake suggested general manager Brian Cashman target Cincinnati Reds left-hander Nick Lodolo.
“The Reds actually have some starting pitching depth,” Talkin’ Jake said on the podcast. “Hunter Greene is the shiny object, but he has four years left at a very controllable number, and he’s a stud; that’s not happening. The name that would be very Brian Cashman, Nick Lodolo is a very talented lefty pitcher who has some impressive numbers. He has two years left. The price tag would be real because he does have some impressive numbers. But that would be an impact move.”
New York Yankees Trade for Reds Nick Lodolo in Mock Deal
The suggestion comes as the Yankees face mounting pressure to address a rotation depleted by injuries. Gerrit Cole won’t be ready for Opening Day after missing all of 2025 recovering from Tommy John surgery, according to Pinstripes Nation. The 2023 AL Cy Young winner is targeting a May or June return.
Carlos Rodón underwent elbow surgery in October to remove loose bodies and shave down a bone spur. The left-hander told reporters at the New York Baseball Writers’ Gala on January 25 that he could return in late April or sometime in May. Clarke Schmidt, who had Tommy John surgery in July, won’t be available until the second half of 2026 at the earliest.
Yankees Have One Healthy Ace: Max Fried
Max Fried stands as the only proven ace available for Opening Day. The Yankees acquired left-hander Ryan Weathers from Miami to provide rotation depth. Cam Schlittler will anchor the middle of the rotation alongside Will Warren and Luis Gil, but that’s a significant drop-off from what the Yankees envisioned.
The trade market has dried up considerably. The Texas Rangers acquired MacKenzie Gore from Washington last week, and the New York Mets landed Freddy Peralta from Milwaukee.
Lodolo’s Career-Best 2025 Season
The 27-year-old Lodolo posted his best numbers in 2025, going 9-8 with a 3.33 ERA over 28 starts, according to MLB.com. The 6-foot-6 southpaw struck out 156 batters while walking just 31 over 156.2 innings, posting a 1.08 WHIP.
He tied for the MLB lead with two complete games, including his first career shutout on July 23 against Washington. His 4.8 percent walk rate ranked fourth among pitchers with at least 150 innings.
Yankees Trade Reality Check
MLB Trade Rumors reported earlier in January that rival clubs doubt Cincinnati’s big arms are truly available. Reporter Ken Rosenthal wrote that Greene, Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott appear off-limits. Greene is signed through 2028 with a 2029 club option. Abbott is controlled through 2029.
Brady Singer has been mentioned more frequently as a potential trade chip. The right-hander is making $12.75 million in 2026 and will hit free agency next offseason. Rosenthal indicated the Reds would want both an MLB-ready starter and a bat for Singer’s services.
Whether Cashman pursues a trade for someone like Lodolo or stands pat with internal options remains to be seen. The Yankees’ rotation depth will be tested throughout 2026.
Yankees Could Add 6-Foot-6 Southpaw in Suggested Trade After Career Year