MLB trade rumors: Blue Jays' J.A. Happ 'in demand'; Yankees taking notice?

by Felix Pantaleon

The MLB non-waiver trade deadline is July 31, 2018 (7/31/18). With injuries to Masahiro Tanaka and Jordan Montgomery, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is looking for starting pitching. That search could lead to Toronto Blue Jays southpaw J.A. Happ.

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The Yankees go into play on Thursday with the best record in baseball (49-22) and a two-game lead over the Boston Red Sox in the American League East.

Catcher Gary Sanchez and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton are starting to show signs of coming around at the plate. Sanchez hit a game-tying two-run home run on Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners, and Stanton finished off the 7-5 victory with a walk-off two-run homer.

The Yankees can hit. They can most definitely hit.

Question is, do they have enough starting pitching?

With injuries to Masahiro Tanaka and Jordan Montgomery, general manager Brian Cashman will no doubt look at the pitching market as the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline approaches.

One player who could be had before the deadline is Toronto Blue Jays southpaw J.A. Happ.

The 35-year-old Happ is 9-3 this season with a 3.56 ERA.

He threw a season-high 8.1 innings in Wednesday’s 5-4 win over the Atlanta Braves.

After the game, Happ and his skipper addressed the swirling trade rumors, per ESPN:

“I know he’s in demand and I can see why,” Toronto manager John Gibbons said. “If we were on the other end of it, I’d want him, too.”

Happ is in the final season of a three-year, $36 million contract.

“I signed to play here and try to help this team get to the playoffs,” Happ said. “I know there may be rumors out there, but I like it here and my focus is here.”

6 Yankees things to know

Happ has been on a roll this month. He’s 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA in four June starts.

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