The Yankees never believe they have enough relievers. That’s why they traded for Zack Britton in 2018, despite having the best bullpen ERA in baseball at the time. It’s why they signed Britton that winter, and added Adam Ottavino.
It’s why they nearly acquired two big-name closers at last year’s trade deadline: Toronto’s Ken Giles, and another unnamed star, according to sources.
And it’s why we would be shocked if Brian Cashman doesn’t do everything he can to add to his bullpen before the Aug. 31 trade deadline. And now with the sudden news that James Paxton is undergoing an MRI on his forearm/elbow, Cashman might poke around for starters, too.
With 16 teams bound for the playoffs, sellers will be especially hard to find this year. But one non-contender to watch is Seattle, whose GM Jerry Dipoto enjoys a strong professional relationship with Cashman. Dipoto is selling, and has reliever Matt Magill and starter Marco Gonzales.
That’s just one idea. With Britton (hamstring) and Tommy Kahnle (Tommy John surgery) on the injured list, Cashman will need to scour the league for help. During Thursday’s loss to Tampa Bay, manager Aaron Boone was forced to call on Luis Avilan in a key spot, after Ottavino pitched ineffectively. This was far from ideal, and it did not go well.
If, as happened last year, no appealing trades materialize, the Yankees will have to lean on internal options like Michael King, Clarke Schmidt and Deivi Garcia.
Cashman is always looking for pitching, no matter how much he has. This year, with his pitchers suddenly dropping nearly as quickly as his best hitters, we expect more of the same.