Brian Cashman reloaded the New York Yankees’ bullpen, but there is one position he wish he could have upgraded.
The Yankees general manager offered a frustrated and honest assessment of his inability to acquire another starting pitcher before the 6 p.m. ET trade deadline Thursday.
The Yankees starting staff has been a mixed bag, led by co-aces Max Fried and Carlos Rodon. But with Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt on the IL, after each underwent Tommy John surgery this year, New York could have used more depth in its rotation.
What Did Brian Cashman Say About Not Trading For a Starter?
Cashman struck out in acquiring any starters, and in fact the Yankees are now down one starting pitcher after they released ineffective No. 5 starter Marcus Stroman on Friday.
Still, according to Cashman, his inability to acquire a starter was not for a lack of trying.
“We try to improve every aspect of the club, and this is what we have to show for these efforts,” Cashman said. “We certainly knocked on many doors regarding potential starting pitching, but, obviously, we weren’t able to match up in that category.”
The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty reported Cashman engaged in talks with the Miami Marlins for 2022 National League Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara, yet Miami held onto Alcantara — who is in the penultimate season of a five-year, $56 million contract signed in 2021.
Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported New York would not part with either of its top two prospects, shortstop George Lombard Jr or Spencer Jones, to acquire Alcantara, who has the worst ERA (6.69) of any qualifying pitcher in the majors this season.
“You’re used to so many conversations that lead to nowhere, but we were able to push through on a lot of these conversations, and that’s what we’re here to talk about,” Cashman said. “Can’t really talk about the ones that we couldn’t make. There was a lot of effort and a lot of different arenas, but they were not to be.”
What Did Brian Cashman Say About The Yankees’ Upgrades?
Though they couldn’t add a starter, New York turned its weak bullpen into a strength, plus got more athletic with the acquisitions of Jose Caballero, Austin Slater and Amed Rosario — though Slater and Rosario were acquired before Thursday.
“We are better today than we were yesterday,” Cashman said. “So, mission accomplished there.”
The Yankees also likely view Luis Gil as a deadline acquisition that did not cost them anything to get. Gil, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, has not thrown a pitch in the regular season since he is recovering from a lat strain in in his shoulder he sustained in spring training.
Gil went 16-8 with 214 strikeouts in 185 innings last season — he finished tied for third in the majors in wins — and made two postseason starts as well.
Between him and superstar outfielder Aaron Judge, who is likely to come off the injured list from a right-elbow UCL strain Monday, the Yanks feel confident in their chances in the wide-open AL.
“We’re excited about the additions, and we’re excited by the players we have,” Cashman said. “So we’re looking for that coming together for the final sprint and hopefully doing great things.”
Yankees GM Brian Cashman Makes Honest Admission About Trade Deadline Failure