Pitching, pitching and a third baseman: A look at the Yankees' needs at the trade deadline

NEW YORK – As in past MLB trade deadline periods, Yankees GM Brian Cashman is seeking upgrades while reinforcing that there are no guarantees here.

“Hopefully, I can fix what ails us,’’ Cashman said last week. “Because there’s some areas on this team that need fixing.’’

Cashman has put an emphasis on acquiring pitching, both relievers and starters, and an infielder as well. Perhaps a right-handed hitting outfielder, too.

“That’s a long list,’’ said Cashman, unsure “if this will be a deep deadline or not’’ from a buyer’s stance, “so I don’t know how active we can be. But we will try to be active, I can tell you that.’’

Here’s what is on the Yankees’ shopping list before the July 31 trade deadline and where they might seek those upgrades:

Yankees’ need: Relief pitching

This has become an extremely vulnerable area, with overtaxed and ineffective relief contributing to the Yanks’ drop from seven games up to two games behind in the AL East.

Key setup relievers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. are on the injured list, Luke Weaver has been spotty since coming off the IL (hamstring) and Jonathan Loaisiga remains a talented, injury-prone enigma.

Potential targets: RHPs Jhoan Duran (Twins), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), Rafael Montero (Braves), David Bednar (Pirates); LHPs Danny Coulombe (Twins), Jalen Beeks (Diamondbacks), Gregory Soto (Orioles).

Summary: From here, it’s difficult to tell if the Twins, D-backs and Braves will be full sellers, or partial sellers, but Atlanta’s Iglesias and Montero are in free agent walk years.

The dynamic Duran has two more years of control and might cost a ton. Bednar has a year of control left.

Both veteran lefties listed would be rentals.

The Yanks need a second lefty option besides the overworked Tim Hill, and Coulombe is having a fine season and he’s also putting up terrific stats against righty hitters.

Beeks is currently on the IL with lower back inflammation, and his underlying stats are better than the results in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Yanks have been in contact with lingering free agent and old friend David Robertson, 40, according to the Athletic.

Yankees' need: Starting pitching

Cashman referenced having lost three starters from his 2024 World Series rotation.

Clarke Schmidt had season-ending elbow surgery last week, following Gerrit Cole, who had Tommy John surgery in March.

Luis Gil (lat strain) has yet to start, but he’s trending toward an early August return, barring any setbacks.

Promising rookie Cam Schlittler was recently called up to boost the back end of the rotation, with Marcus Stroman and Will Warren. Veteran lefty Ryan Yarbrough (oblique) remains on the IL.

But the Yanks could use another reliable righty veteran starter after lefties Max Fried and Carlos Rodon.

Potential targets: RHPs Zac Gallen, Merrill Kelly (Diamondbacks), Sandy Alcantara, Edward Cabrera (Marlins), Seth Lugo (Royals), Joe Ryan (Twins), Charlie Morton (Orioles), Adrian Houser (White Sox).

Summary: "We’re always open and interested in taking big swings,'' said Cashman, speaking in general terms about trade discussions.

So, yeah, the Yanks ought to inquire about what astronomical haul it might take to land Paul Skenes, if the Pirates are even taking those calls.

The Yanks are likely clinging to top infield prospect George Lombard Jr., but the rest of their system - including slugger Spencer Jones - seems up for discussion, along with Schlittler and Warren at the big league level.

Controllable talent like Cabrera, Ryan or Alcantara should be wildly expensive, directing the Yanks toward a more realistic bid for impending free agents Gallen, Kelly, Morton, Houser or Lugo (player option for 2026).

Yankees' need: Third base

A platoon of Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas isn’t cutting it, and they’re not going to throw J.C. Escarra out there regularly, despite respecting his lefty swing.

An offensive and defensive presence is needed here, and this could be a very tough get.

Potential targets: Eugenio Suarez (Diamondbacks), Willi Castro (Twins), Ryan McMahon (Rockies), Ke'Bryan Hayes (Pirates).

Summary: Suarez would be the big prize and the powerful righty hitter, fresh off his All-Star Game appearance, will have no shortage of suitors if the Diamondbacks are selling.

The lefty-hitting McMahon offers power and solid defense but a low average and high strikeout rate and is signed through 2027.

The right-handed hitting Hayes is locked up on a contract through 2029, but his production has been in decline the past two years, partly due to back issues.

The versatile, switch-hitting Castro is headed to free agency this fall and could help a lot of teams.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Pitching, pitching and a third baseman: A look at the Yankees' needs at the trade deadline