Marcus Stroman
AP Photo

The New York Yankees have been rumored to be seeking additional pitching help; could Marcus Stroman or Ken Giles be the answer?

There’s expected to be a lot more trades being made at this year’s trade deadline since there’s just one deadline going forward. Which is why the New York Yankees have had to widen their search for the best options available.

That search has now reportedly led them north of the border.

According to reports, the Yankees have shown interest in acquiring both Marcus Stroman and Ken Giles from the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Yankees do have a clear need for Stroman, who was born and raised just about an hour outside of the Bronx. Among teams in the AL, the Yankees currently own the sixth-lowest starters’ ERA at 4.22.

Luis Severino has also missed the entire season so far and isn’t expected back until at least mid-August. The Yankees are also unsure if he’ll even be the same dominant pitcher right away. So, they certainly could utilize Stroman at the front of their rotation until Severino is back to his usual self again.

Stroman is also someone who would help put the Yankees over the top in their quest to make it back to the World Series. In 18 games this season, Stroman is pitching with a 3.18 ERA, 1.261 WHIP, 3.81 FIP, 2.8 BB/9, 7.0 SO/9 and a 141 ERA+.

Acquiring Giles, along with Stroman, would also solidify the Yankees bullpen even further. The Yankees’ bullpen has been near dominant at times this season. But, they’ve been missing one of their best-arms all season.

Dellin Betances has been sidelined since the start of the season with shoulder inflammation and a lat strain as well. The Yankees expect him to return shortly after Severino. But, that might not happen until towards the end of August or early-September.

This means the Yankees could certainly use another shutdown pitcher who can pitch in high-leverage situations late in games. Giles currently owns the second-lowest ERA among qualified closers in the AL. Giles also owns the highest SO/9 among all closers in the AL with a 15.39 SO/9.

The Yankees would likely have to surrender a two or potentially three of their top prospects to acquire both Stroman and Giles. But, both players do have an extra year of control before entering free agency.

In all, it could sway the Yankees in giving up some of their future, for a chance at winning a World Series for the first time since 2009.