The New York Yankees have made plenty of surprising moves since winning the American League pennant last fall, but that doesn’t mean the historic organization is content with what it has.
After making surprise trades and spectacular signings to acquire Max Fried, Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Devin Williams, the “Manhattan Mules” are back at the top of the league just months after the trade deadline.
Yankees need reinforcements if they want to go to the Fall Classic
Despite the new additions to their roster, the Yankees still have a clear area of need as they look to return to the Fall Classic. Since the franchise’s ace, Gerrit Cole, decided to undergo Tommy John surgery, the starting rotation has looked less than championship-worthy, save for Fried and Carlos Rodon.
And while the Yankees look to bolster their pitching staff with an addition before the trade deadline, they may have to think about more than just this season.
When Cole broke his silence with the media after undergoing surgery, MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch reported that the pitcher is set for a 14-month recovery period, which would put him back on the mound in July 2026, assuming the 34-year-old does not experience any setbacks. Bob Klapisch of NJ.com noted that he could return with less velocity than ever, given the mileage on his arm.
In an early prediction about the Yankees’ trade deadline, Jomboy Media’s Joez McFly highlighted Sonny Gray of the St. Louis Cardinals, who could help the New Yorkers close the gap without Cole this year and in the near future.
“The Yankees will acquire Sonny Gray,” predicted McFly. After signing a three-year, $75 million contract in 2023, Gray is owed $25 million this season, $35 million in 2026 and has a $30 million club option for 2027. If the Yankees consider him worth the money and any assets they must give up to sign him, he could be the perfect option for their schedule.
Gray has posted a 3.50 ERA in his first eight games of the season and has made at least 24 starts in each of the last four seasons. He has been named an All-Star three times in his 13-year career.
He has been the kind of reliable and effective starter that the Yankees could appreciate in the playoffs for several years.
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