New York Yankees targeting starting San Francisco Giants pitcher in trade deal

With the trade deadline nearing at 4 PM, the New York Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman are silently making calls and checking up on different players who could be of value. While they missed out on starting pitcher Mike Clevinger, due to an absorbent price tag, they have targeted San Francisco Giants starter Kevin Gausman as a potential option.

What would Gausman bring to the New York Yankees?

The San Francisco starter has had a tumultuous start the 2020 season, driving down his stock and potentially making him a cheaper target for the Yankees. He currently has a 4.54 ERA with a 1-2 record. Over 35.2 innings pitched, he’s allowed 37 hits, six homers, and eight walks. However, he has a solid 48 strikeouts. He’s been a decent pitcher over the past few years, posting a lofty 5.72 ERA in 2019 with the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds.

Ultimately, with James Paxton being placed on the injured list with a forearm flexor strain, adding a starter to the rotation would be beneficial. However, the past few days have been decent for the rotation, with Deivi García posting six scoreless innings against the Mets in the second game of the doubleheader on Sunday.

Jordan Montgomery also had a decent outing, and Michael King pitched well over the weekend, despite leaving the bases-loaded for Brooks Kriske on Sunday. Starting pitching hasn’t been the kryptonite for the Yankees. It has been their bullpen.

Cashman checking up on Gausman is interesting, and they might be able to get him for cheaper than expected. Either way, the Yankees would have to give up prospects or some of their youth outfielders. Miguel Andujar and Clint Frazier rank atop the list of potential trade pieces, but Gausman might not be worth one of those starting level players. I would prefer the Yankees to go out and find a bullpen arm that could help supplement the loss of Tommy Kahnle.