New York Yankees: 3 bold trade deadline predictions

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The New York Yankees head into the days before the August 2 MLB trade deadline as the odds-on favorite to win the 2022 World Series. However, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t areas where the Yankees can improve.

With that in mind, based on some of the rumors that are circulating and the needs currently possessed by the New York Yankees, here are three bold predictions for the Bronx Bombers as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

3 bold trade deadline predictions for the New York Yankees

First, the Yankees acquire relief pitcher David Robertson

The Yankees and Chicago Cubs made a deal that benefitted New York last season when Anthony Rizzo changed his pinstripes from the Cubs to the Yankees. Another deal this season between the two clubs just makes too much sense, especially with Robertson’s history in New York.

Drafted by the Yankees in the 16th round of the 2006 MLB draft, Robertson appeared in 501 games for New York between 2008 and 2014. He bore the title of successor for Mariano Rivera as Yankees closer and helped the franchise earn their last World Series title in 2009.

Robertson has rediscovered himself this season, posting a 1.83 ERA/3.25 FIP/0.992 WHIP in 35 games covering 39.1 innings for the Cubs. In his time on the mound, opponents have racked up just 20 hits.

With the injury to Michael King and much-publicized struggles of Aroldis Chapman, the Yankees need someone in the bullpen who is not only talented but also very familiar with what it takes to win in the postseason. Robertson matches that description perfectly.

Jun 28, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo (58) delivers against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

Second, the Yankees acquire Luis Castillo from the Cincinnati Reds

With the injury to starting pitcher Luis Severino, there is an opportunity for the Yankees to get rotation depth by acquiring Castillo, one of the best arms that will be available at the MLB trade deadline. In fact, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com recently called Castillo “the No. 1 starter available on this year’s trade market right now.”

If it’s the best, don’t be surprised if it’s chased by the Yankees, especially when landing someone like Castillo can keep him out of the hands of rivals such as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, teams that have been linked to him in rumors and could potentially meet up with the Yankees in the postseason.

Castillo has already performed well at Yankee Stadium this season, shutting down New York’s vaunted offense by allowing just two hits and one run over seven innings of work on July 14. That’s part of a recent run where the right-hander has a 2.20 ERA and 1.04 WHIP in his last seven starts. He’s also struck out 48 in the 45.0 innings covered during that stretch.

While Castillo is the ace in Cincinnati, he could come to the Bronx and fill in behind Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes, making the middle of the Yankees rotation even more of a strength in any seven-game series New York might face this postseason.

Apr 26, 2022; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Joey Gallo (13) watches his solo home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the fourth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Third, the Yankees swing a deal involving Joey Gallo

The New York Yankees and San Diego Padres have discussed a deal involving Joey Gallo in the past. This trade deadline, the two franchises will actually pull off a deal and send Gallo from the Bronx to Southern California.

MLB insider Jon Heyman has written in The New York Post that the Padres are willing to consider Gallo “at some price.” Padres general manager A.J. Preller has a past history with Gallo when the duo was part of the Texas Rangers organization, so there is a link there for a Padres team that is looking to improve its offense as it chases the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West.

That “some price” could mean that the Yankees would have to pay part of Gallo’s current one-year, $10.28 million contract, especially if Yankees brass “privately believe they have no choice” but to part ways with Gallo as Bob Nightengale of USA Today wrote in this column.

Gallo entered Tuesday’s play slashing just .162/.286/.345 in 79 games this season, but did have 12 home runs. However, his 102 strikeouts in 269 plate appearances is certainly cause for alarm.

If the Yankees could acquire a prospect or two from the Padres and free up Gallo from his time in the Bronx, it could be a win for both sides. The Yankees would likely try to find an outfield trade target to take Gallo’s place, especially with Giancarlo Stanton currently on the injured list.

Next. What it might cost the Yankees to acquire Juan Soto. dark

More and more, it is sounding like it’s not a question of if but when Joey Gallo leaves the New York Yankees. A trade with the Padres makes sense and could be one of the few options available as the MLB trade deadline approaches.

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