The New York Yankees’ biggest weakness is their rotation, and they might be in the market for one of the best pitchers available on the trading block.
The Texas Rangers reportedly are listening to offers for starter Yu Darvish, and so far, the Chicago Cubs and Los Angeles Dodgers have been named as potential suitors. But Yankees scout Brandon Duckworth was at Tropicana Field on Friday night for Darvish’s start against the Tampa Bay Rays, per the New York Post, which has created some speculation as to whether New York is looking to make another deal before Major League Baseball’s July 31 non-waiver trade deadline.
Darvish is a free agent after this season, and the Rangers reportedly are unsure if they’ll be able to re-sign the 30-year-old, which is the reason they’re shopping him. The Japan native is 6-8 with a 3.44 ERA in 21 starts for the Rangers this season, which would be a huge upgrade for the Yankees.
Of course, having a scout at Darvish’s most recent start doesn’t necessarily mean the Yankees and Rangers have been in communication or that New York is willing to pay Texas’ asking price. Still, the Yankees did show they’re not afraid to make a splash this July by trading for third baseman Todd Frazier and relievers David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle, so it wouldn’t be surprising if they become buyers again.
Thumbnail photo via Andy Marlin/USA TODAY Sports Images
