We're just hours away from MLB's trade deadline and the New York Yankees are still on the phone. They acquired Andrew Benintendi a couple of days ago, but it's clear that it won't be the only move Brian Cashman makes to revamp the roster.
The Yankees hit a brick wall prior to the All-Star break and started to cool off after an impressive season start, which is why they can't sleep on their laurels with the best yet to come.
The Yankees' top priority seems to be their starting rotation. They couldn't keep up with the Seattle Mariners in their pursuit of Luis Castillo, so they're now focused on Frankie Montas, per Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic:
"With Luis Castillo traded to the Mariners, the A’s have the best starting pitcher on the trade market*, Frankie Montas, especially if his medicals check out as expected," Rosenthal reported. The Yankees have made Montas their top trade target."
Montas has drawn league-wide interest since the offseason, so it's going to be a close race to get him. But even if they fail, there are still some other intriguing options in the market:
"They have plenty of competition for the 29-year-old right-hander, including the Twins, Cardinals and White Sox," Rosenthal added. "When Montas is moved, Tigers lefty Tarik Skubal and Marlins righty Pablo López will become the best-available starters. (*Note: Lefty Carlos Rodón is arguably the top starter who could be traded, but it’s unclear if the Giants will deal him."
The Yankees are also actively shopping Joey Gallo, who's been one of the most disappointing players in the Majors this season. However, Bob Nightengale reports there's still plenty of market for the former Rangers slugger:
“The Tampa Bay Rays are among the favorites acquire either Reds outfielder Tommy Pham or Yankees outfielder Joey Gallo by Tuesday," Nightengale reported. "The San Diego Padres and Milwaukee Brewers also are interested in Gallo. The Yankees insist Gallo will be gone, one way or another.”
There's always the possibility the Yankees pull the trigger and make a power move to land Juan Soto or Shohei Ohtani, but that seems unlikely at this point.
But, then again, Brian Cashman has usually struck gold with mid-season trades and he knows this year could determine whether he stays on the job for long or not, so don't be shocked if the Yankees wind up breaking the bank in the next couple of hours.
