According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports , the New York Yankees may be looking to add a pitcher to their starting rotation after fellow American League East contender, the Toronto Blue Jays, have been making waves after acquiring David Price and Troy Tulowitzki.
As of Wednesday, the New York Yankees lead the Blue Jays by seven games. While that may seem like a lot, the Yankees need to keep their eye out for Toronto down the stretch.
The New York Yankees may pursue Cincinnati Reds pitcher Mike Leake. The Reds made it clear after they traded away Johnny Cueto that they are sellers this year. They may also look to unload the large contract of Jay Bruce . The Reds have given up on this season, as they are currently 18 games behind the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Central.
A Pineda injury would really put the heat on the Yankees to make a move for a pitcher. Mike Leake? James Shields? Call up Severino?
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2015
The New York Yankees have discussed trades with many teams about starting pitchers as we near the July 31 trade deadline. As previously reported by the Inquisitr , New York has asked about Mat Latos , Cole Hamels , Jeff Samardzija and Johnny Cueto , but obviously none of those deals worked out. Leake may be the New York Yankees’ final option.
Yankees remaining targets: Mike Leake, Craig Kimbrel, Aroldis Chapman.
— Jesse Siegel (@JesseLSiegel) July 30, 2015
Mike Leake would be a rental, as he is in the final year of his contract. Leake is 9-5 on the season with a 3.56 ERA. Of course, Leake isn’t exactly an ace, but it is worth noting that he has a better record and earned run average than Michael Pineda. Pineda is slated to pitch Thursday, but will be unable to due to forearm tightness, which is just one more reason why the Yankees need to push to make a trade that would send a starting pitcher to the Bronx.
Can confirm via source that Michael Pineda has been scratched tonight.
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) July 30, 2015
The New York Yankees are facing Yovani Gallardo of the Texas Rangers on Thursday. Gallardo is another pitcher on the trade block, and may be a target of the Yankees.
Many in industry sense #Yankees are poised to strike. Looking into all available arms, as they always do. Generally a team that moves late.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 30, 2015
It is unclear what the Yankees would send to Cincinnati in return for Leake, but we do know that top prospects, Luis Severino, Aaron Judge, and Greg Bird are off limits. While Gary Sanchez has been made available by Yankees general manager Brian Cashman.
Do you think the New York Yankees will make a transaction in order to acquire Mike Leake? If not, what other moves do you see the Yankees making before the trade deadline on July 31?
@Holwerda_Rhett @Yankees we needa bring back Martin Prado & go for either Mike Leake or Tyson Ross
— Drogon (@GOMDIZZLE828) July 30, 2015
[Image Source: Joe Robbins/Getty Images]
