With just nine days to go until the July 31 trade deadline, asking prices will fluctuate, rumors will swirl and big names will likely be on the move.
The Yankees are one of the many teams actively searching for starting pitching reinforcements. And Brian Cashman's team is well-positioned to build on its nine-game lead in the AL East.
In recent years, Cashman has been extremely cautious in deadline dealings. He's been careful to hold on to his most valued prospects, and for the most part, that strategy has paid off.
Look at the Sonny Gray deal as an example. He didn't work out in New York, but the trade is significant for another reason - -it's the most recent example of Cashman surrendering top prospects in a midseason deal. He sent out James Kaprielian, Jorge Mateo and Dustin Fowler, all of whom were top-15 names in New York's system, according to MLB Pipeline. So far, only one of those prospects (Fowler) has reached the Major Leagues.
If Cashman is to acquire a difference-maker this summer, it will most likely cost him one of his top minor leaguers.
The reality, though, is that there may not be a true ace to trade for this year. It sounds more and more likely that Madison Bumgarner could stay in San Francisco, while Trevor Bauer might remain with the Indians, who are just three games behind first-place Minnesota.
In any case, teams will be eyeing a few standouts in New York's farm system. Here are four prospects that could be in the midst of trade discussions.
Albert Abreu
The 23-year-old could reach the majors by next season, and that's something that opposing scouts will surely be aware of while evaluating Abreu. His 3.72 ERA this season won't tell you that, but it shouldn't be a reason for concern. His arsenal includes a fastball that can reach 100+ mph, as well as a changeup with excellent late movement. He recently added a slider to his repertoire -- a pitch he thinks could become a weapon.
Abreu has shown the ability to limit the long ball in his minor league career, having allowed just 28 through 424.2 innings (0.6 HR/9). Teams will point to his command as a crucial area of improvement, as he's walked 47 batters in 82.1 innings (5.1 BB/9) this year. Regardless, he's flashed plus stuff through his time in the minors, and if the right deal presents itself, he could be on the move.
Estevan Florial
Would the Yankees trade their No. 1 prospect? It appears they are certainly open to the idea, according to CBS Sports' R.J. Anderson. There are two main reasons why Cashman would be comfortable in dealing the 21-year-old.
Once viewed as New York's center fielder of the future, various injuries over the last two seasons have raised concerns surrounding his long-term durability. Things get murkier when remembering the Aaron Hicks extension.
Florial, to his credit, has earned rave reviews across four professional seasons, and there's reason to believe he could eventually become a five-tool talent. His power, speed and arm strength are all rated above average, per MLB Pipeline. His early returns have been promising, as he's crafted a .275/.355/.438 line over four seasons. When considering the Yankees' crowded outfield and their clear desire to acquire starting pitching, it's not unreasonable to envision Florial as a key piece in a deal.
Deivi Garcia
Every year it seems there's one prospect who shoots up the ranks and grabs headlines. This year, it's Garcia. He started 2019 in Single-A, and now he's a part of Triple-A Scranton's rotation. Perhaps most impressively, he's only 20 years old.
Across the three levels this season, Garcia has compiled a 3.17 ERA to go along with 124 strikeouts in 76.2 innings. Opponents have hit just .211 against him. The bottom line is simple -- he possesses the best pure stuff in New York's system. While his control needs work (4.5 BB/9), his immense upside as a starter or reliever cannot be denied. You can count on opposing teams inquiring on the flamethrower's availability.
Luis Gil
The 21-year-old should receive plenty of attention from rival scouts. He's currently in the midst of a terrific campaign at Single-A Charleston. In 83 innings across 17 starts, Gil has a 2.39 ERA and 112 strikeouts. Remarkably, he's allowed only one home run the entire season, while opponents have hit just .200 against him.
Like Garcia, Gil has a power fastball that can occasionally reach 100+ mph. His curveball is his best secondary pitch, although his changeup has started to show signs of life. He's already displayed longevity in his starts, regularly keeping his velocity up in later innings. Gil is still two or three years away from making an impact at the big league level, but his upside is certainly there.
Honorable mention: Clarke Schmidt, Nick Nelson