Getty
Aaron Boone speaks to the media before a game against the Dodgers.
The New York Yankees are one of the mainstay “buyers” as MLB’s trade deadline looms. New York is still at the top of the American League East, but things are getting tighter with the Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Rays surging this month.
There have been multiple reports that the Yankees will either target a left-side infielder (third baseman) or attempt to land another back-end of the bullpen arm. While the Yankees’ rotation is slightly depleted right now, they expect to get both Luis Gil and Marcus Stroman back as the summer progresses.
MLB Insider Reveals Yankees’ Deadline Plans
On MLB Network just a few days ago, MLB insider Jon Heyman announced the New York Yankees’ general plan at the deadline looms:
“With a strong starting rotation already in place and not many great rotation options available on the trade market, the Yankees are likely to emphasize bullpen help at the Trade Deadline, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman said Monday. Though the team’s relief corps has a 3.46 ERA, which ranks fifth in the AL, “the focus will be on the ‘pen, no question about it,” Heyman said. The team could also look to upgrade at third base or try to land a utility player, he said.”
The Yankees could also use some offense, but the organization believes the offensive pieces they have will turn it around, and with Aaron Judge’s star power, Giancarlo Stanton’s return to the lineup, they will be okay on that front.
The Trade Proposal
In this recent trade idea, the New York Yankees land 2024 All-Star Kyle Finnegan from the Washington Nationals. It is believed that Finnegan is likely to be dealt as the Nationals are not going to be contenders this season. Finnegan has been a real bright spot for the Nationals’ pitching staff. He has a 2.93 ERA in 27.1 innings pitched. To go along with that, he also has 22 strikeouts and 18 saves.
The Yankees are working closer Luke Weaver back from injury, but it is never a bad idea to have two solid arms in the bullpen that can garner saves at any moment. As Heyman indicated, the Yankees have already seen stable contributions from their bullpen, but once the deadline season rolls around, every MLB contending team is looking to bolster its bullpen even further.
Kyle Finnegan was an All-Star last season with the Nationals. He recorded 38 saves in 2024 in over 63 innings. Finnegan features a lively fastball and a pair of breaking pitches to go along with it.
As the calendar turns to July, a plethora of MLB teams will likely be calling Washington regarding Finnegan. Depending on what they would have to give up, the Yankees should seriously consider making this deal, as it would check all the boxes for their already solid pitching staff.
Since it’s already known that the Yankees plan to acquire relief pitchers, they will likely be tied into every conversation of other arms becoming available as the trade deadline gets closer.
