The New York Yankees acquired a powerful hitter in second baseman/center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. on Saturday, but with the trade deadline fast approaching in less than two days, it looks like they’re not done yet.
While the need for a bullpen is clear, they are also reportedly exploring the market for starting pitchers.
According to MLB insider Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees have “inquired” about Detroit Tigers right-handed starting pitcher Jack Flaherty.
Flaherty is in high demand after posting a 2.95 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 133 strikeouts in 106.2 innings (18 starts) with Detroit this season. The 28-year-old Flaherty is set to become a free agent after a huge comeback this season.
While strengthening the starting rotation isn’t necessarily a necessity for the Yankees, acquiring a starting pitcher would allow them to move struggling pitchers to the bullpen and bolster a struggling team.
That said, it probably won’t be rookie phenom Luis Gil, who bounced back from three straight poor games. New York initially explored the possibility of moving Gil to relief and reducing his innings, as he is closing in on his career-best ERA of 107.1 at the pro level, but it will be tough to take one of the best starting pitchers out of the rotation.
Nestor Cortes and Clark Schmidt (who is progressing in his rehab from a strained lat muscle) could move to the bullpen. If Schmidt returns, the Yankees would have to decide which pitcher to use in relief, regardless of whether they acquire Flaherty or another starter.
Acquiring Flaherty would be a big deal for the Yankees, who already have a sluggish starting rotation and holes in the bullpen.
