Yankees GM Brian Cashman & Co. are on the hunt for a starting pitcher to add at the trade deadline, though things have been mum lately on that end.
But that doesn't mean the pinstripes aren't working behind the scenes.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Yankees VP of baseball operations in Tim Naehring was seen in Cincinnati on Sunday to watch Indians hurler Trevor Bauer start against the Reds. SNY's Andy Martino added on to Rosenthal's reporting, saying "Trevor Bauer definitely one to watch for Yankees."
It was a great outing to see from the crafty right-hander, who allowed just one run on four hits while striking out nine and walking three over seven innings. Bauer, who has tossed 132 innings already over 20 starts this season, owns a 3.61 ERA and 4.10 FIP with a 1.17 WHIP as well.
Whether or not the Indians want to move Bauer is the question. They have put together a nice win streak to pull within 5 1/2 games of the AL Central lead, and own a Wild Card spot at the moment. Being their No. 1 starter at the moment, Bauer would be a top candidate to start that game if it is what it came down to.
In a potential trade package, Rosenthal points out the Indians looking for MLB-ready talent that could fit right in for their hunt in a division race with the Twins. Clint Frazier, the former first round pick by the Indians, would be the ideal trade chip. However, he has four years of team control while Bauer is only arbitration-eligible for one more season before entering unrestricted free agency.
Still, the Yankees will keep Bauer's door open for now. Other than his electric stuff when he's hot on the mound, Bauer has proven himself in the postseason. He was particularly good in 2017 when facing the Yankees in Game 1 of the ALDS, tossing 6.2 innings worth of scoreless baseball. His follow-up performance wasn't the same in Game 4, though, when he allowed four runs in 1.2 innings on short rest.
Other options the Yankees could be targeting are Giants veteran LHP Madison Bumgarner and Blue Jays RHP Marcus Stroman, who they are very familiar with in the AL East. Nats ace Max Scherzer has also been brought to light in trade rumors, but with Washington's resurgence lately, it's very hard to see them moving their best player.