The Yankees approach the trade deadline in the paradoxical position of being comfortably in first place, but with two glaring holes to fill. Although the team has prospered despite an inconsistent rotation and lack of offense up the middle, shoring up at least one of these two deficiencies could go a long way toward solidifying the Yankees’ hold on the A.L. East and strengthening their chances of winning another championship.
Middle Infield Production: wRC+ and fWAR
Source: fangraphs.com
There aren’t many productive middle infielders on the trade market, and, those limited options have attracted a long line of suitors. Ben Zobrist would be an ideal candidate to fill the Yankees’ void, but the versatile switch hitter suits just about every other contender’s needs. With bats at a premium, the Oakland Athletics are sure to get a significant return for Zobrist, making it likely that he’ll be acquired by a team more desperate than the Yankees. It also means the Bronx Bombers are probably better off pursuing a pitcher.
Starting Rotation Production: ERA and Innings Pitched
Source: fangraphs.com
The Yankees have been linked to Cole Hamels and Johnny Cueto at various points over the past month, but all reports suggest the cost remains too prohibitive. With the Yankees unwilling to part with a trio of top prospects (Adam Judge, Greg Bird, and Luis Severino), it won’t be easy to land an ace. What’s more, there aren’t many attractive second tier starters on the market, and those available aren’t appreciably better than what the Yankees have now.
Although a deal for an ace starter or middle infielder does not seem likely, the Yankees can still significantly improve their team by building upon a strength. Aroldis Chapman and Craig Kimbrel are reportedly being shopped by the Reds and Padres, respectively, and the Yankees are rumored to be interested. With Dellin Betances and Andrew Miller forming arguably the major’s best late inning tandem, adding Chapman or Kimbrel might seem like overkill, but, as the Royals demonstrated last year, a shutdown bullpen goes a long way in October.
Top-10 K/9 Innings, Minimum 30 innings
Source: frangraphs.com
Not only would a dominant bullpen triumvirate (set up by Chasen Shreve and Justin Wilson, who are also having strong seasons) be a big asset down the stretch and in the post season, but it could also have a trickle-down effect on the health and effectiveness of the team’s starting rotation, which is replete with concerns about durability. The most obvious benefit would come from shortening the game. If only asked to give 5-6 innings, the Yankees’ rotation of fragile starters might be more easily coaxed through the regular season and kept relatively fresh for the possibility of a long post season. Also, an addition to the bullpen would allow the Yankees to shift Adam Warren back to being a starter, creating a six-man staff that could be employed to selectively lighten each member’s workload. Adding a bullpen arm wouldn’t make the Yankees’ rotation better, but it could put them in a better position to succeed over the rest of the season.
Although the simplest way to improve the rotation would be to add an ace like Hamels, Cueto, or David Price, approaching the problem from the other end could wind up working just as well. And, perhaps just as importantly, it would set the Yankees up better for the long term. By holding onto Judge, Bird, and Severino, the Yankees would not only maintain their most attractive prospects, but still be in a position to sign Cueto or Price during the winter, which, as the Yankees hopefully learned last off season, is the better time to pursue an ace (see Max Scherzer).
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