MLB trade rumors: Yankees losing Blue Jays' J.A. Happ to Cubs?

by Felix Pantaleón

Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ is one of the best starting pitchers available before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver trade deadline. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has also been linked to Texas Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels, Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer and Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.

Saturday was Toronto Blue Jays ace J.A. Happ’s big shot to prove he deserves to pitch for a contender.

He was facing the Yankees, who reportedly had Happ atop their trade deadline wish list.

He was matched up against Yankees ace Luis Severino.

And in the end, he was completely overwhelmed by the Yankees hitters, giving up six runs on four hits (including two home runs) and six walks in 2.2 innings of work. The Yankees went on to win 8-5, dropping Happ to 10-5 with a 4.44 ERA this season.

Those numbers might be enough to scare away Yankees general manager Brian Cashman, who desperately needs to upgrade the rotation with Sonny Gray struggling. But Happ continues to draw a crowd:

Hearing Chicago Cubs may have interest in LHP JA Happ @Jays

— bob elliott (@elliottbaseball) July 8, 2018

Happ has lost his last two starts, giving up a total of 13 earned runs in just 8.1 innings. That’s an ERA of 14.04.

Despite his recent struggles, Happ was selected for the 2018 All-Star Game. It’s his first All-Star nod. Happ is the Blue Jays’ only All-Star selection.

Breaking down Yanks’ All-Stars

Happ is one of several starting pitchers available on the trade market. He’s joined by Texas Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels, Detroit Tigers right-hander Michael Fulmer and Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Nathan Eovaldi.

The non-waiver trade deadline is July 31st.

While the Yankees have been connected to many of the available starting pitchers, it’s still possible Cashman decides to add a bat to the lineup, especially with Greg Bird struggling.

Over the weekend, the Yankees had scouts in Kansas City to check out third baseman Mike Moustakas, who played a couple of games at first base.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.