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The Yankees have been actively exploring the trade market in recent days to bolster their roster. In addition to acquiring Jazz Chisholm from the Miami Marlins, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported Tuesday afternoon that the Yankees are also interested in Yandy Diaz, Luis Rengifo, Tanner Scott and several other relief pitchers.
Yankees actively exploring trade market
The Los Angeles Angels are looking to offer Rengifo something substantial in return, as he has one year left on his contract in 2025 before becoming a free agent in 2026. The 27-year-old is batting .300/.348/.421 with six home runs, 30 RBI and 23 stolen bases this season. Despite his impressive numbers, Rengifo is coming off the best year of his career and is a candidate for a significant step back due to his lackluster defense, especially at second base.
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The Yankees would be taking an unnecessary risk in acquiring Rengifo and would be better off focusing on Yandy Diaz, a 32-year-old infielder with experience at both third and first base who would likely play that position for the Yankees.
Diaz has historically been a dominant offensive player, batting .270 with a 110 wRC+, nine homers and 47 RBIs this season. He batted .330 with a .410 on-base percentage last season, so the Yankees know what he’s capable of. The Yankees are signing Diaz for two years before he becomes a free agent in 2027, with a club option for 2026, so the Tampa Bay Rays are likely looking to get a few top prospects in return.
Bullpen needs reinforcement
The Yankees are in desperate need of bullpen reinforcements, and 30-year-old left-hander Tanner Scott would be an ideal addition. Scott averages a 97.1 mph fastball and has a 1.18 ERA in 45.2 innings this year. His strikeout and ground ball rates have been solid, but he has struggled with control at times. Still, I expect he will serve as the team’s primary closer, with Clay Holmes in a setup role, which is probably where he’d be best suited.
The challenge for Scott is cost, as lesser pitchers are making big gains ahead of the deadline on Tuesday afternoon.
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Considering additional options
The Yankees are also interested in Oakland Athletics bullpen pitcher Lucas Erceg. The 29-year-old Erceg has a 3.68 ERA in 36.2 innings this season. He’s a solid pitcher with a high strikeout rate and good ground ball rate. He could be a cheaper replacement for Scott and is a long-term right-handed pitcher. He’s only a free agent in 2030, but acquiring Erceg would still require a significant investment and the loss of a major prospect.
Qualifying Other Prospects
Finally, the Bombers have been linked with Pete Fairbanks and Kyle Finnegan. Fairbanks is also a regression candidate, with a 3.11 ERA but a 3.89 xERA. His strikeout numbers have dropped significantly, signaling a decline in his whiff ability after he struck out 13.0 times per nine innings last season.
Finnegan has a 3.48 ERA but a 4.75 xERA in 44 innings. The Nationals are looking for a big return on Finnegan, but based on his projected production and especially his low home run numbers this season, it would be unwise for the Yankees to invest too much in him.
Deadline is approaching
General manager Brian Cashman will likely secure one or two more pieces before the 6 p.m. deadline, but for now, things are quiet on the ground.