Red Sox Rival GM Identifies Team Need Before Trade Deadline

An arms race could unfold in the American League East before the July 31 trade deadline.

The Boston Red Sox have sprinted back into the playoff picture by sweeping the Washington Nationals and Colorado Rockies. They’re 5.5 games behind the Toronto Blue Jays and three behind the New York Yankees, who snapped a six-game losing streak with three straight wins.

Pressure is mounting in the Big Apple, so Brian Cashman will be expected to bolster the roster in the next three weeks. The Yankees general manager identified pitching as a need for improvement on Wednesday, via ESPN’s Jorge Castillo.

“Whether it’s bullpen guys or starting pitchers, it’s just all of it,” Cashman said. “That’s the area. We have people that are capable, but I think it also needs to get some help. And if I can do so, great. But again, there’s no guarantees. We’re going to be fully engaged and see where it takes us. Hopefully, we can run into some opportunities that can benefit us.”

Pitching looked like a significant strength for the Yankees entering the 2025 season, but injuries have dampened that enthusiasm.

Gerrit Cole underwent Tommy John surgery before the season began, stripping the rotation of its longtime ace. Reigning AL Rookie of the Year winner Luis Gil has missed all of 2025 recovering from a lat strain, and the Yankees recently revealed that Clarke Schmidt will likely also require the season-ending Tommy John procedure.

Meanwhile, the bullpen recently lost Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. to injuries. Offseason acquisition Devin Williams hasn’t met expectations with a 4.86 ERA, and Luke Weaver has allowed seven runs in his last four appearances after spending the first three months as New York’s most reliable relief pitcher.

Cashman stopped short of promising a big splash, but the Yankees may need some reinforcements to keep up in a competitive playoff battle.