Zach Davies, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees. (Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports)
The New York Yankees need to add a pitcher or two after trading for Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo to bolster their lineup.
While the New York Yankees made headway the last few days by dealing for Joey Gallo and Anthony Rizzo, they need to add a starting pitcher or two to ensure themselves that they won the 2021 MLB trade deadline.
By adding Gallo and Rizzo, the Yankees’ lineup gained two power left-handed bats, as well as defensive depth in the outfield and at first base. However, New York has to improve its starting rotation if the Yankees want to keep pace with the Boston Red Sox and the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East standings. They need to acquire at least one more starting pitcher before the deadline.
Here are three starting pitchers the Yankees need to consider dealing for before it is too late.
New York Yankees: 3 starting pitchers to deal for at the trade deadline
3
Zach Davies
RHP Chicago Cubs
Zach Davies could be shipped out of town in the Chicago Cubs’ fire sale
No team has been selling off more of its pieces than the Chicago Cubs. They are heading towards a painful rebuild next year, and everyone must go! Chicago has already dealt Rizzo to the Yankees, left-handed relief pitcher Andrew Chafin to the Oakland Athletics and outfielder Joc Pederson to the Atlanta Braves, and they are not done yet. Starting pitcher Zach Davies could be moved, too.
On the year, Davies is 6-7 for the Cubs with a 4.39 ERA and a 1.509 WHIP in 22 starts. Davies has thrown 108.2 innings, while striking out 78 batters. However, he has allowed a league-worst 58 hitters to reach base on balls. Given that he is in a contract year and only 28-years-old, Davies is a relatively cheap option the Yankees can add to their rotation without giving up the farm for here.
If there was another player in the Yankees’ farm system the Cubs were keen on, Chicago might be able to get him for Davies on an expiring contract. Because of his control issues this year, Davies is not going to command the same amount as other top pitchers potentially on the trading block. Dealing for him could improve the Yankees rotation, but this move will not really move the needle.
If the Cubs are having a clearance with all their players, the Yankees could make another deal here.