The New York Yankees have taken care of the position player side of things at the trade deadline. Now, it’s all about pitching.
As Thursday’s 6 p.m. ET trade deadline approaches, the Yankees could feasibly acquire another starter and two impact relievers. Every contender wants arms, so it’s not guaranteed they accomplish that goal, but they should at least be trying.
Part of the issue is that there aren’t many clear-cut sellers this year. But the Pittsburgh Pirates have to be considered part of that group.
As they hurtle toward another last-place finish, the Pirates have a closer (David Bednar) and a controllable starter (Mitch Keller) who could help numerous franchises.
According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees have shown an interest in both players, with Bednar apparently more likely to be dealt at this point than Keller.
“Yankees have been in contact with Pirates about multiple players,” Heyman wrote Tuesday night on X. “Bednar is a target. Keller interests them, too, but price tag might discourage them.”
Bednar owns a 2.37 ERA with 51 strikeouts in 38 innings this year, and he’s under control for next season as well. Keller, whose contract pays $55.7 million through the 2028 season, sports a 3.69 ERA in 22 starts and 127 innings.
A package deal could be appealing for the Yankees, but even if they get one or the other, they have to feel good about their new pitcher’s chances of helping guide the pennant push.