The New York Yankees have already executed two significant trades this offseason, prompting the question: why not pursue a third? The team addressed its outfield needs by acquiring Juan Soto, Alex Verdugo, and Trent Grisham. However, the next crucial area requiring attention is the starting rotation. To bolster their pitching staff, the Yankees must secure at least one more starter during this offseason. While the team has explored various free-agent starters, there’s also consideration for potential trades.
One player emerging as a trade option for the Yankees is Jesús Luzardo, a talented young pitcher from the Miami Marlins, as suggested by Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller. Miller notes that, given the Yankees’ previous trades for Juan Soto, they have limited trade assets. To acquire Luzardo, Miller suggests the inclusion of Anthony Volpe, Jasson Dominguez, or top prospect Spencer Jones in the deal. Despite the challenges, the Yankees, having missed out on Yoshinobu Yamamoto in free agency, recognize the pressing need for additional starting pitchers.
In their projected rotation, Will Warren is seen as a temporary placeholder, and Clarke Schmidt could be utilized as a middle/long reliever if the Yankees successfully land two more starters. To secure Luzardo, the suggestion is to offer Spencer Jones, the first-round pick from the 2022 draft, potentially making the deal feasible. Despite the prior trades for outfielders, the Yankees still boast a solid farm system, providing them with the means to make such a trade. Luzardo, at 26 years old, has demonstrated ace potential with two consecutive seasons of maintaining an ERA under 4.00, making him a valuable asset to fortify the Yankees’ rotation.