The Yankees knew they couldn’t continue with a giant hole in their starting rotation. That’s why they swung a deal to acquire J.A. Happ from the Blue Jays.
If the Yankees have any chance at all to catch the Red Sox for the AL East crown then improving their starting rotation was a must. The acquisition of J.A. Happ from the Blue Jays certainly does that, but the Yankees had to give up real value to get the veteran southpaw.
Credit the Blue Jays for extracting real value in this deal. Reportedly, New York will be forced to part with Brandon Drury and Billy McKinney. Both hitters have a chance to help Toronto in the immediate future. Drury, in particular, was a victim of bad luck with the Yankees. He was slated to be in the club’s everyday lineup before an injury opened the door for Miguel Andujar to make the third base spot his own.
That certainly doesn’t make it an overpay for New York. McKinney was likely going to be selected in this winter’s Rule 5 draft. The Yankees weren’t going to protect him or promote him so his loss really doesn’t impact the organization. Drury is the real loss. He had the potential to be an average regular, but the Yankees don’t really have a position for him. Think of it as a consolidation move by Cashman.
Brandon Drury is thought to be in expected Happ trade to Yanks. Billy McKinney's name was being mentioned, but not confirmed yet. expected to be 2 for 1.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 26, 2018
The upside for the Yankees is obvious, and it shouldn’t be understated. Happ slots immediately into a starting rotation in desperate need of one more quality piece. Even if you believe Sonny Gray can get back on track in the second half, the fifth spot in the rotation was a major concern. Neither Domingo German or Luis Cessa is the right answer down the stretch. Justus Sheffield would have been an interesting alternative, but it’s clear the organization doesn’t feel he’s quite ready.
In Happ, the Yankees acquire a solid veteran who is familiar with the AL East. In particular, his positive record against Boston is an added bonus for New York. Having an experienced left-hander to combat the Red Sox offense could be crucial when the postseason arrives.
It’s fair to point out that Happ isn’t the ace the Yankees really covet, but it doesn’t appear that pitcher is out there for a reasonable price this week. His ERA of 4.18 on the season comfortably makes him the Yankees’ fourth starter at the moment. Acquiring that for a fringe regular has to be considered a productive move by Cashman and company.
The Yankees might not be done dealing, but acquiring Zach Britton and Happ is a pretty good haul by Cashman considering what he’s been forced to give up. There’s still time for him to swing the “big move” many Yankee fans are dreaming about.