Three players the New York Yankees are pursuing as trade deadline nears

Sunday was a miracle for the New York Yankees, as they came back in two games to secure wins over the New York Mets. In what was a turning point for the Bombers after losing seven consecutive games before Friday’s doubleheader against the Mets, the tables are seemingly turning.

Despite Gary Sanchez’s late-game heroics and Aaron Hicks hitting a game-tying homer with two outs in the bottom of the seventh, the Yankees are still in desperate need of support in the infield, outfield, and bullpen. Some might argue that starting pitching is a weak point for the Yankees, too, despite several motivating outings the past few days.

Deivi Garcia, youth prospect for the Yankees, earned the start in game two of the doubleheader yesterday. He lasted 6.0 innings, allowing four hits and zero earned runs. He was stellar in his first MLB action, possibly convincing the Yankees to give him more opportunities in the near future.

Nonetheless, overcoming the Mets isn’t the same as defeating the Tampa Bay Rays in their upcoming series. They could use the support, and with the trade deadline at 4 PM on Monday, things will be moving and grooving.

Three players the New York Yankees are pursuing:

1.) Starling Marte

The Yankees have reportedly been in contact with the Arizona Diamondbacks about outfielder Starling Marte. So far this season, the 31-year-old has 38 hits, two homers, and a .311 batting average over 122 at-bats. He has been fantastic so far this year, also posting solid seasons the past three years.

The Yankees could use another outfielder with their reserve options dwindling. Aaron Judge is out, Giancarlo Stanton is out, Aaron Hicks felt cramping in both his calves on Sunday, and Miguel Andujar could be a trade piece. However, it shows their lack of faith in their slugger outfielders remaining healthy. Marte is a solid player and would be a starter on most teams. The Yankees do still have Clint Frazier, whose value has bubbled in recent days and could also be a valuable trade piece.

While I think acquiring Marte would be a great thing for the Yankees, he is not the most pressing of the three players they’ve checked in on.

2.) Josh Hader

The bullpen for the Yankees has been extremely tumultuous, but star relief arm Josh Hader would immediately improve the unit. At 26 years old, Hader is struggling in the walk category this year. Over 9.2 innings, he’s walked 10 batters, but struck out 14. Despite his minor issue, he has a 1.86 ERA and has allowed two runs this season. He is a dominant bullpen arm and would immediately help the Yankees establish themselves as elite once again. They are teetering on the edge of good, but with healthy players on their way back in a few weeks, the Yankees will be in good shape for the postseason.

Hader is no rarity to the rumor mill, as he was close to joining the Yankees last year in a deal. Nonetheless, they have been monitoring his asking price, and while it will be lofty, his value to the team would be undeniable.

3.) Mike Clevinger

Another expensive acquisition would be Mike Clevinger. After being sent down to the minors due to COVID-19 protocol breakage, a potential trade has been in the works for days now. As one of the best starters in the league, he would help supplement the loss of James Paxton in the short term.

In addition, the Yankees are set to lose Paxton, Masahiro Tanaka, and JA Happ at the end of this year. If they acquire Clevenger, they would have a fantastic 1-2 punch with Gerrit Cole as the number one.

Gaining back Luis Severino in 2021, who is coming off Tommy John surgery, the Yankees would have a fantastic starting rotation. They can also begin to rely more on Deivi Garcia and some of the younger arms who have shown potential and promise so far. During the 2020 season, Clevinger has a 3.18 ERA over 22.2 innings pitched. He has allowed five homers and 11 walks but has struck out 21 batters. Last year, he was one of the best starters in the league, posting a 2.71 ERA and striking out 169 batters over 126.0 innings.

Clevinger is a luxury and would be costly for the Yankees, but pitching wins championships, and without a premium second starter, the Yankees are in trouble.