5 starting pitchers the Yankees should trade for to fix their starting rotation

3. Robbie Ray

Ray is not a new name for the Yankees to consider in trade talks. He’s been linked with a move to New York several times throughout the last several seasons. The fact that he’s only on a one-year deal with the Diamondbacks makes him a prime candidate to be moved as a rental in the next few weeks.

The 28-year-old lefty isn’t going to ever develop into the ace of the Yankees staff, but he’s got the upside of a No. 3 starter. That’s something the team sorely lacks at the moment. His ability to strike guys out with his above-average fastball makes him particularly intriguing to New York’s front office.

The question is whether or not Cashman will pull the trigger on a guy who is set to become a free agent. That decision will likely hinge on how motivated Arizona is to move his prorated salary. The Yankees will pounce if he is sold on the cheap. If the Diamondbacks try to make stringent demands, look for Cashman to do his shopping elsewhere.

The fact that the Diamondbacks currently occupy the basement in the NL West ups the chances that Ray will be sold to the highest bidder. No one in baseball will be surprised if that turns out to be the Yankees. He’ll be strongly linked with a move to the Bronx until the Trade Deadline passes.