Fansided

MLB Trade Deadline 2016: 5 moves the Yankees should make

By Connor Muldowney

Jul 17, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 17, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman (54) pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Jul 22, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) pitches during the first inning of an inter-league baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 22, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka (19) pitches during the first inning of an inter-league baseball game against the San Francisco Giants at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Add young starting pitching

When you look at the starting pitching the Yankees currently have, it’s evident that the bullpen is the only thing carrying this team in the arms department.

Sure, all the arms in the rotation are pretty young, outside of Sabathia, but that doesn’t mean an upgrade isn’t needed. On the year, Masahiro Tanaka has been the ace of the staff with a 7-2 record, 3.15 ERA and 100 strikeouts in 19 starts. He has looked like his rookie year self and the 27-year-old is here to stay.

Outside of Tanaka, Sabathia might be the next most impressive this season. The 35-year-old with decreased velocity on his fastball is 5-8 with a 4.04 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 17 starts. If he can stay healthy, he could be a serviceable fourth or fifth starter for the Yankees for the next few years.

Michael Pineda, 27, is listed as the No. 2 starter and boasts a 4-9 record with a 5.25 ERA and the only bright spot has to be the team-leading 127 strikeouts. Nathan Eovaldi, 26, is 8-6 with a 4.93 ERA and 82 strikeouts in 17 starts and Ivan Nova, 29, is 7-5 with a 4.92 ERA and 62 punch-outs in 13 starts.

Luis Severino is having a rough year, but the 22-year-old could be an important piece for the Yankees’ future rotation.

Moral of the story is this: the Yankees need to add some solid, young arms to the rotation by trading older vets who still have something to bring to a contender. It’s crucial for the future success of the franchise.

Next: 4. Carlos Beltran

Home/MLB Trade Rumors