The New York Yankees made quite a few moves leading up to the July 31st, non-waiver trading deadline. They brought in Zach Britton, JA Happ, Luke Voit, and Lance Lynn while continuing to hold on to their top-tier prospects. We covered how part of their acquisitions leading to the deadline were quite reminiscent of 2017. However, unlike last season when the Yankees acquired Sonny Gray on “Deadline Day” this year the Yankees were silent.
Needs Addressed: Check
Now let’s be clear the Yankees addressed many levels of need and concern in the deals they made. Bringing in Zach Britton was a very smart move. The move allows for versatility in the bullpen as well as insurance for injury. And in an added benefit it keeps Britton away from the Boston Red Sox.
While both Lance Lynn and JA Happ might seem like questionable moves in some respects what the Yankees have done is given themselves some depth. And depth that is proven at the Major League level. The numbers may not look all that impressive when Lynn’s ERA is north of 5. But what Lynn provides you with is an innings eater and someone who has more upside than Adam Warren that was traded to the Seattle Mariners. JA Happ, on the other hand, provides you with a pitcher with a winning type pedigree and is a move for the postseason. Happ can be a quality number 3 or 4 starter for this team come playoff time.
Not Done Yet???
While the non-waiver trading deadline has passed us by the waiver trading deadline is still a month away. Last season the Houston Astros were able to acquire Justin Verlander in the final seconds. Verlander would be their ticket to a World Series win. The Yankees have some time to continue to look for improvements to their current roster. However, those improvements may not necessarily come from outside the organization. The Yankees are at present moment without Aaron Judge and Gary Sanchez two middle of the order bats. So they will have reinforcements rejoining the team towards that time frame.
The Yankees still have a loaded farm system and will need to protect players from the Rule 5 Draft. So if the Yankees make another move I do believe it will be just a small incremental addition. Possibly just to continue clearing 40-man roster space for this upcoming offseason. Either way, this team has a chance to succeed in the postseason with quality starters and an even better bullpen. They should also get their star slugger back in time to gear up for October. So while “Trade Deadline Day” may have been silent. The road leading to it was filled with quality moves.
