Fansided

Here are the best bets for the Yankees at this year’s trade deadline

By Rucker Haringey

ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 25: Blake Snell #4 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws in the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Tropicana Field on June 25, 2018 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
ST. PETERSBURG, FL - JUNE 25: Blake Snell #4 of the Tampa Bay Rays throws in the second inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Tropicana Field on June 25, 2018 in St. Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 25: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – JUNE 25: J.A. Happ #33 of the Toronto Blue Jays pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on June 25, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

3. J.A. Happ

Happ isn’t the top target on the Yankees’ list, but he might be the most likely pitcher to end up in pinstripes before the month’s end. Various sources have reported that New York are leading the race for the Toronto left-hander.

The 34-year-old pitcher has an impressive 10-4 record this season, but that’s a little bit flattering considering his ERA of 4.03. He can certainly help the team during the regular season, but there are questions about whether or not he’s really a difference maker for the postseason. For Cashman, that’s a question for a different day. His first priority is getting the Yankees to the postseason in the best position possible.

Based on his current contract, Happ has the potential to be a straight rental. He is in the last year of his deal. It’s highly probable though, that the Yankees would be interested in signing him for a few more seasons this summer. Cashman will negotiate with Toronto like Happ is just a stopgap, but don’t expect the organization to calculate his value like that internally.

The Yankees are also very likely to like the price required to add Happ. His contract status means the Blue Jays can’t realistically hope to get more than one decent asset in return. New York should be able to swing a deal for Happ with a decent prospect or a fringe regular. That, in large part, is why he’s the most likely pitcher to join the Yankees before July 31st.

Home/New York Yankees