The MLB season is still fairly young, but the “Baby Bombers” continue to prove that they’re here to stay. Sitting at first place in the AL East, the Yankees have shocked the baseball world.
If New York keeps up this winning pace, fans will get anxious and start thinking about making it back to the World Series. The Yankees haven’t made it to the World Series since 2009, but that can all change very soon.
As the season progresses, questions will arise about what the Yankees will do at the trade deadline. Could they repeat last season’s deadline and become sellers? After all, players like Matt Holliday, Brett Gardner and Chase Headley could be important additions to other contenders.
Or, the Yankees could do the unthinkable and embrace their old ways.
The Case for Being Buyers
It’s no secret that the New York Yankees possess one of the best farm systems in all of baseball.
After acquiring prospects such as Gleyber Torres, Clint Frazier and Justus Sheffield, they have the pieces to make a splash at the deadline. The Yankees’ plan so far has been to keep their young players and see what they can develop into. Perhaps that plan needs to change though.
With the Yankees lineup proving to be a real threat alongside their dynamic bullpen, it’s evident that the starting rotation will be their downfall. The difference between the Yankees and a contender like the Houston Astros is starting pitching. That brings us to the Pittsburgh Pirates’ ace, Gerrit Cole.
At 26 years old, Cole has shown throughout his early career that he can be a star pitcher. Although he battled injuries last season, Cole is two years removed from a 19-8 season where he posted a 2.60 ERA. Cole has a 2.84 ERA this season, but is also 2-4 due to the Pirates early-season struggles.
As a borderline ace, Cole could instantly improve the Yankees’ rotation that is in dire need of an upgrade. Cole is also under team control until 2019, which makes him an even more attractive trade target. With Masahiro Tanaka (5.80 ERA) and C.C. Sabathia (4.93 ERA) struggling mightily, the Yankees could be forced to make a midseason trade.
Times have changed and the 27-time World Series Champions have not been as aggressive as years past. Could they really let a potential playoff season slip away in hope of all their prospects working out?
Under no circumstance will the Yankees trade away Torres, nor should they. If there is a chance to swap Frazier for Gerrit Cole, then New York needs to take advantage of that offer. Not only can they make a championship run with their current roster, but also for the years to come.
The future looks undoubtedly bright for the New York Yankees, but they can’t ignore the chance to win it all here in 2017.
Featured Image by NJ.com
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