Five New York Yankees Trade Options to Address Sudden Needs

“Nobody is hanging their heads; nobody is panicking here,” New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes said Wednesday, following the team’s third consecutive series loss. “It’s just a hard stretch you’ll have to deal with throughout the course of 162 games. We just need to figure out how to get out of this.”

Cortes put the setback in perspective, saying the Yankees still have the best record in baseball, so there’s no need to panic. But at least one aspect of this tough patch should be solved by next month’s trade deadline.

The Yankees had the lowest bullpen ERA in MLB through the first 36 games of the season, at 2.27. Clay Holmes, the closer, had not given up an earned run as of mid-May. However, what was once a huge strength for the Yankees is now showing cracks, and the bullpen has dropped to fifth place in MLB with a 3.39 ERA and 19th in total strikeouts. It appears that the relieving corps could require additional reinforcements at midway.

Lefty John King Could Meet The Yankees’ Needs.

As it stands, Holmes leads the Yankees bullpen, with Caleb Ferguson, Luke Weaver, and Ian Hamilton each playing in more over 20 games. Michael Tonkin has performed well in 19 games, while Tommy Kahnle has had mixed performance in 13 games. Phil Bickford and Tim Hill were acquired last week and could make substantial contributions, although that is yet to be seen.

All total, there are two lefties among the eight healthy relievers, and it appears the Yankees should hunt for another southpaw. As a result, John King, a five-year MLB veteran with the St. Louis Cardinals, might be a potential acquisition target. He has a 2.39 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 26.1 innings this season. The Cardinals’ front office will be calling on closer Ryan Helsley as the team struggles in the National League Central, but trading King may be more appealing if they want a soft rebuild rather than a complete tear down.

Carlos Estévez Could Complement Clay Holmes

Carlos Estévez, righty for the Los Angeles Angels, is a possible trade candidate because his team is 13 games back in the American League West and he is eligible for free agency at the end of the season. He was an All-Star last year and has continued to close with 14 saves and a 3.38 ERA in 24 innings this season.

Ryan Pressly Can Bounce Back With The Yankees

What was unimaginable at the start of the season is becoming increasingly likely: the Houston Astros may be a deadline seller and trade a World Series hero to the Yankees.

Ryan Pressly, a two-time All-Star closer with a strong postseason record, was replaced by Josh Hader in the winter and has struggled in the setup job this season. He has a mutual option on his contract for next season, and as the Astros are out of the Wild Card chase, he may desire a change of scenery.

“The righty would be Clay Holmes’ late-game partner and security blanket, and add much-needed strikeout acumen to a bullpen that could use a minimum of two additions, including one lefty in a perfect world,” the New York Post’s Joel Sherman reported.

The Yankees are looking at Michael Kopech.

Michael Kopech, a Chicago White Sox reliever, has long appeared to be a trade asset for a contender this season, having transitioned from starting to bullpen for a team that is expected to be the largest seller at the deadline. His move hasn’t gone well, as he’s only made five saves and allowed 16 earned runs in 17 games this season. But contending teams continue to believe in his abilities, and the Yankees have expressed interest in acquiring him.

“The Yankees, Royals, and Phillies are just a few of the teams that have been doing their due diligence on Kopech lately,” said Bruce Levine for Chicago’s 670 The Score. “Rival teams believe the White Sox are looking for young pitching under contract control in return as they prepare to trade players ahead of the deadline.”

Tanner Scott Could Be A Blockbuster Add For The Yankees

Tanner Scott, the Miami Marlins’ closer, is now the most likely blockbuster reliever to be traded before the deadline. The Marlins have previously dealt the reigning MLB hitting champion, Luis Arraez, and utilityman Jon Berti to the Yankees in a three-team transaction in March. Scott had a 1.64 ERA with 35 strikeouts in 33 innings this season before becoming a free agent, so teams will call, and the Marlins will listen.

The left-handed Scott has the best chance of replacing Holmes as the Yankees’ closer if he joins the team. In any event, he would provide significant reinforcement to a bullpen that no longer appears capable of a deep playoff run.