The New York Yankees have just lost left-handed starter, Carlos Rodon to injury.
Rodon, 33, is now disabled with elbow inflammation.
Rodon joins starting pitchers Max Fried (elbow bone bruise) and Clarke Schmidt (Tommy John surgery) on the Major League Baseball Injured List.
The Yankees are also playing without All World All Star Aaron Judge (ribs stress fracture) and slugger Giancarlo Stanton (strained calf).
The Yankees currently find themselves trailing the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East by 4 games.
It is likely the Yankees will look to shore up their roster near or at the MLB August 3 trade deadline. Especially their starting pitching.
In order of priority, here are four starting pitchers this old scout believes can bolster the Yankees major league roster:
Pitchers That Can Bolster New York Yankees Rotation:
1-New York Yankees Trade Target:Tarik Skubal-Detroit Tigers- LHP-6-3, 240 pounds-Age 29
This is a no-brainer, as most contending teams will check in with Detroit to see if they can pry Skubal away from Detroit.
It is likely the Los Angeles Dodgers will be in the mix for Detroit Tigers Skubal.
Skubal is working on a $32Million contract this season.
Will the Tigers meet his salary demands, as Skubal can be a free agent at the end of this season?
The Yankees clearly have the financial wherewithal to offer Skubal a long contract extension.
Skubal missed some time this season while getting loose particles removed from his pitching elbow.
Skubal appears to be fine, and has made 11 starts this season. He has pitched to a 3.15 ERA, and 0.91 WHIP in 65.2 innings.
Skubal’s next start is scheduled for July 7, at home in Detroit against the Athletics.
brooksbaseball.net lists Skubal’s 4-seam and sinking fastballs at 97 miles per hour. He also throws a changeup, a slider, and a curve.
2-New York Yankees Trade Target: Joe Ryan-Minnesota Twins-RHP-6-2, 205 pounds-Age 30
Ryan just turned 30 June 5.
Ryan is the ace of the Twins staff, but it’s very possible the Twins will look to load up on prospects, as they navigate the trade deadline.
Ryan is a reliable starter, who is in his sixth season with the Twins.
An All Star last season, Ryan has made 18 starts so far for Minnesota. He has thrown to a 3.61 ERA, with a .079 WHIP in 97.1 innings pitched.
Ryan is working on a very reasonable $6.2Million contract this year. He and the Twins have a mutual option for 2027, which travels with his contract.
Ryan’s next start will be July 5 at Yankee Stadium, against the Yankees.
Ryan throws both his 4-seam, and sinker at 94 miles per hour. He also throws a changeup, a slider, and a curveball.
bleedcubbieblue asked their fans who they would want if they couldn’t get Tarik Skubal. “Joe Ryan is the starter Cubs fans want.”
3-New York Yankees Trade Target: Reid Detmers-Los Angeles Angels-LHP-6-2, 210 pounds-Age 26
Detmers is a former No. 1 pick of the Angels, in 2020.
A crafty lefty, Detmers threw a no-hitter on May 10, 2022.
Now working on a one-year contract, Detmers is making $2.63Million this season. He can’t be a free agent until after the 2029 season.
With control remaining on his contract, Detmers could prove to be a solid starter for New York for the foreseeable future.
Now in his sixth Angels season, Detmers has strung together a series of wins for an Angels team that is hardly treading water in the American League.
The price should be reasonable for a pitcher with a nice track record, and a nice future.
Detmers pitched July 3 against the Red Sox. He went five innings, and left with a 4.13 ERA, and 1.11 WHIP in 18 starts. He took the loss in the Friday game.
Detmers throws a four-seam fastball at 94 miles per hour. He also uses a changeup, a slider, and a curveball.
4-New York Yankees Trade Target: Kyle Freeland-Colorado Rockies-LHP-6-4, 202 pounds-Age 33
A veteran of parts of 10 seasons in challenging Coors Field in Colorado, the Colorado native may welcome an opportunity to pitch for a contending baseball team.
Freeland was a 1st round draft pick of the Rockies in 2014, Freeland is working on a five-year contract he signed in 2022. This is the final year of that $64Million deal.
Freeland holds a vesting option for 2027. However, even with limited team control, Freeland may be willing to sign a long-term contract with the Yankees, giving them a solid veteran left-hander.
Freeland’s next start will be July 6, at the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Freeland throws a four-seam and sinker at 92 miles per hour. He also features a changeup, a slider, a curveball, and a cutter.
Conclusions Regarding Potential Pitching Trade Targets For New York Yankees:
The New York Yankees have several starting pitchers on the Injured List.
If they are looking to bolster their rotation via trade, four starting pitchers seem attractive for the New York Yankees roster.
In this order, Tarik Skubal (Tigers) Joe Ryan (Twins) Reid Detmers (Angels) and Kyle Freeland (Rockies) can likely add depth to a New York Yankees team that continues to be highly competitive in the American League East Division.