The New York Yankees are in a great position as the Major League Baseball trade deadline looms in the distance.
At 42-25, the Yankees have a four-game lead atop the American League East. And more importantly, the parts of the roster they might need to upgrade at the deadline have been producing of late.
Thanks to sudden stability at second base and in the starting rotation, the Yankees can afford to pick their spots. If a standout at either position becomes available, they can pounce, but it may not be a desperation situation.
If, for instance, the talent-rich Arizona Diamondbacks wind up becoming sellers, the Yankees might sense an opportunity for a meaningful upgrade and get into the mix.
On Friday, Sara Molnick speculated that the Yankees could be a fit for Diamondbacks star Zac Gallen, a former All-Star and third-place Cy Young Award finisher who becomes a free agent at the end of the season.
“Gallenâs elite production and expiring contract attract widespread interest,” Molnick wrote. “Arizonaâs declining competitiveness positions them as potential sellers for the right prospect return. The Yankees possess the necessary assets for negotiations.”
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Gallen, 29, has struggled at times this season, posting a 5.15 ERA through his first 14 starts. The Yankees won’t care about statistics, though, as long as he looks to be in form at the time of a potential trade.
The much bigger issue is Arizona’s seller status. This was a team that thought of itself as a playoff contender before the season, and after sweeping two of their last three series, they’ve crept back up to .500 at 34-34.
So bookmark Gallen as a name to watch, but don’t necessarily start Photoshopping him into a pinstriped uniform.
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