The New York Yankees went on another spending spree during the offseason, and team executives want no less than a championship this season.
However, the Yankees, who are currently three-and-a-half games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League East, have been hit by key injuries this season, which could force them to tweak their roster again.
The Yankees obviously need to find another starting pitcher, and Jean-Paul Salamanca of Latin Post believes that New York will consider trading Michael Pineda, Dellin Betances, and Adam Warren to get another star pitcher.
Pineda has been pitching well for the Yankees earlier in the season, going 2-2 with a 1.83 ERA, but has been missing in action for the team since his infamous suspension after being caught using pine tar.
The 25-year-old right hander is still on the disabled list due to an ailing ribs, but the Dominican Republic native could be a key piece in case the Yankees make a strong push to acquire another pitching ace before the July 31 deadline.
"For the Dominican right-handed pitcher, this season hasn't exactly gone off smoothly. Between the infamous "pine tar" incident and his battling rib injuries, he's gotten off to a rough start. However, he's 25 and has plenty of potential, which means he could be of great value out of the bullpen for a team looking for relief help," Salamanca wrote.
Aside from Pineda, the Yankees might also consider moving Dellin Betances, who has been playing well this season, tallying a 1.38 ERA with 56 strikeouts.
Betances could be a star in the making for the Yankees, but they could be forced to part ways with the 26-year-old relief pitcher, especially if an opportunity to acquire a high quality starter arises.
"While bullpen help is critical for any championship team, the Yankees have built the core of their last World Series-winning squads around powerful starting pitching. If the chance to get a legitimate ace comes around, would they be willing to change their tune?" Salamanca added.
Warren could also be a key piece in a possible trade later in the season. The 26-year-old relief pitcher has a 1.71 ERA with 30 strikeouts this season, which makes him an attractive asset to other teams.
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