3 Yankees Starting Pitching Trade Targets You Probably Haven't Considered
By Parker White
The New York Yankees were one of the front runners to sign veteran starter Dallas Keuchel, but the bearded wonder decided to head south and sign with the Atlanta Braves on a one-year deal.
That doesn't mean the Yankees have ended their search for a starting pitcher, and unless they acquire a Madison Bumgarner or someone of his ilk, GM Brian Cashman will have to be creative and go after some starters that don't immediately come to mind.
So, here are three starting pitching trade targets you probably haven't considered.
3. RHP Jeff Samardzija
The last time Jeff Samardzija looked like a frontline starter was back in 2014 when he split time with the Cubs and A's. It's been a rollercoaster ride since then, but he's been pretty reliable for the Giants this season, posting a 3.61 ERA over 12 starts, including his last time out when he tossed six innings and allowed one run with six strikeouts. He's always boasted tremendous strikeout upside, though he's been known to get hurt by the long ball. Still, Shark could be a solid veteran pickup to improve a young Yankees team.
2. LHP Matthew Boyd
If the Yankees want to add another southpaw to the rotation to pair with James Paxton and J.A. Happ, Detroit Tigers lefty Matthew Boyd looks like the best option. Boyd began to burst on the scene last year, but he's backed up it once again in 2019 where he holds a 3.01 ERA and has 97 strikeouts over 77.2 innings. He was pretty dominant in his lone start at Yankee Stadium this year, striking out 13 batters across 6.1 innings. While the Bronx won't think fondly of that performance, they may flip the script if he ends up in pinstripes.
1. LHP Mike Minor
Boyd has certainly had a nice season, but Texas Rangers left-hander Mike Minor has been equally great, owning a 2.55 ERA with 87 strikeouts over 81.1 innings. Minor is also under contract for 2020, so this wouldn't be a one-year rental for New York. It took him quite some time, but the former Top 10 pick is finally looking like the ace the Atlanta Braves envisioned. If he can continue his strong showing, this could be the difference-maker in the rotation for the Yankees.