The New York Yankees reportedly have a few pitchers in mind to trade for, including Madison Bumgarner, as the July 31 deadline quickly approaches.
The MLB trade deadline is less than two weeks away and moves will surely be made in the Bronx.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the New York Yankees have a few pitchers in mind to attempt to trade for. Per Heyman, the Yanks are trying for one starter and 1-2 relievers.
Yankees —aka the Savages — would still like 1 starter and 1-2 relievers. They are high on Bauer, Ray and Syndergaard (who’s unlikely to be traded, especially to them). MadBum (moving up on all lists) and Stroman are also of interest.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 19, 2019
Trevor Bauer, Robbie Ray, Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman will all be under arbitration in 2020. Madison Bumgarner, on the other hand, would be a rental. Bumgarner’s current contract expires at the end of this season.
Heyman’s right about the slim possibility of a trade involving Syndergaard. It’s unlikely that the Mets would be willing to send a pitcher like Thor to their crosstown rivals. However, nothing’s impossible, so the chances of a trade aren’t entirely out the window.
Another name that’s been connected to the Yankees is New York Mets right-hander Zack Wheeler. The veteran pitcher would also be a rental for the Bombers. That trade possibility isn’t shut down yet, but there are numerous reasons to doubt he’d end up becoming a Yankee before the end of July.
For one, it’s the same situation as with Syndergaard, in which the Mets would be reluctant to help the Yankees out. And second, Wheeler is currently on the injured list. The Mets placed him on the 10-day IL on Monday with shoulder fatigue, retroactive to Friday, July 12.
With July 23 becoming his earliest return date, Wheeler could get 1-2 starts under his belt before the deadline. Nonetheless, the IL placement certainly harms his trade value.
