MLB trade rumors: Yankees’ Aaron Boone says upgrading rotation not necessary

The Yankees are running out of time to add another frontline starter to their rotation with the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) trade deadline fast approaching. General manager Brian Cashman is shopping for additions to the pitching staff.

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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A Major League scout was asked on Monday how important it is for the Yankees to deal for a quality starting pitcher before the July 31 deadline.

The scout answered, then repeated himself twice to emphasize his point, saying: “They have to. … They have to … They HAVE to!”

That’s the consensus from a lot of fans, media and most everyone who follows baseball because some of the other American League powers – especially the Houston Astros – have aces up and down their rotation and the Yankees have just one, Luis Severino.

What does Yankees manager Aaron Boone think about this school of thought?

“Well, I would say all the other top teams that we’ve played, we’ve matched up very well against and I don’t think there’s anyone in our room that doesn’t think with the guys that we have in there we can’t go up and beat the best and play against the best and match up with the best,” Boone said Monday before the Yankees’ 7-6 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays. “So whatever help comes or doesn’t … I feel like we have the guys that are capable of playing with anyone.”

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There are stats to back Boone’s point:

Although the Yankees are six games out of first in the AL East, their 63-35 record is third-best in the AL (and the majors), plus they have winning records against the other contenders. They’re 5-2 against the Astros and Cleveland Indians, 5-4 against the Red Sox, 3-0 against the Seattle Mariners and 2-1 against the Oakland Athletics.

GM Brian Cashman is on record saying he’s trying to trade for a starting pitcher, too but there may be any true No. 1s available if the Giants opt to keep Madison Bumgarner and the Mets won’t trade Jacob deGrom to the Yankees.

Possibilities for the Yankees include Toronto Blue Jays left-hander J.A. Happ, Texas Rangers left-hander Cole Hamels and Rays righty Chris Archer.

Boone was asked on Monday about how a contender could benefit from adding Archer, who won’t pitch against the Yanks in this week’s series.

Predictably, Boone responded with a short complimentary answer in which no one could accuse him of tampering.

“Archer is a really good pitcher in this league,” Boone said. “He’s a guy with great stuff. He’s a guy who has been a really good pitcher for the Rays for a long time.”

We’ll find out by next Tuesday if Cashman can do better from his rotation pick-up at the 2017 trade-deadline, which shouldn’t be difficult because Sonny Gray has been a big disappointment.

“I know we’re in great hands,” Boone said. “From (managing partner) Hal Steinbrenner on down through Brian Cashman and our front office, I know we certainly have the resources and the wherewithal, and we’re pouring the energy into finding the right deal out there if it exists.

“I know they’re doing everything possible, and in the end they’ll make a good decision one way or the other for our club, not only for the short-term but the long-term.”

Randy Miller may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @RandyJMiller. Find NJ.com on Facebook.