Fansided

3 free agents to target and 2 trades the Yankees can make for a starter

By Rucker Haringey

MIAMI, FL - JULY 29: Jeremy Hellickson #58 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - JULY 29: Jeremy Hellickson #58 of the Washington Nationals throws a pitch in the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park on July 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy pitches in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images)
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy pitches in the sixth inning against the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2018 at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. (John Sleezer/Kansas City Star/TNS via Getty Images) /

3. Trade for Danny Duffy

The Yankees had a legitimate interest in dealing for Duffy ahead of last year’s trade deadline, so it’s very possible they will revisit the issue this winter. He definitely didn’t raise his stock with a very inconsistent season for the Royals, but lefties who throw as hard as he does will always have value.

Acquiring Duffy would give Cashman the equivalent of a pitching lottery ticket. When he’s at his best, he can be dominating. He can run his four-seam fastball up in the mid-90s and it’s really tough to handle for hitters on both sides of the plate.

The trouble is that Duffy’s command can really desert him at times. That’s a big reason he struggled so mightily in 2018. An ERA of 4.88 in 155 innings isn’t what a team like the Yankees are looking for. The upside is what might be tempting for Cashman and company.

The Royals might be pretty motivated to get off of the $45 million they owe Duffy over the next three seasons. That could allow the Yankees to swoop in and get him for a mid-tier prospect. At that price, it’s a gamble the Yankees could decide to make.

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