MLB trade rumors: What Yankees' Aaron Boone expects from Brian Cashman, front office

by Felix Pantaleón

Yankees manager Aaron Boone was asked what he expected from the front office before the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) non-waiver trade deadline. General manager Brian Cashman is working to add a pitcher to the starting rotation and remains involved in talks for Baltimore Orioles shortstop Manny Machado.

CLEVELAND — It’s no secret. The Yankees‘ front office, led by general manager Brian Cashman, has been hard at work trying to bolster a club it believes can win a World Series.

Owner Hal Steinbrenner and Cashman each have talked about adding another starting pitcher. Steinbrenner has said the team has significant money it can spend before the July 31 deadline.

And, of course, there have been the countless rumors involving them in the sweepstakes for Orioles star Manny Machado.

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On Sunday, after the Yankees lost to the Indians, 5-2, at Progressive Field — the last game of the first half of the season — manager Aaron Boone was asked what he expects from the front office.

Here’s what Boone said:

Honestly, I don’t have an expectation. I know Cash and the guys are turning over every leaf and kicking tires on everything and, I’m sure, making proposals and counters and all that, so I know we’re going to try. It comes down to, does it make the most sense for us, short term and long term? But I think as I said before, it takes two to tango. So, if the right deal comes about, I think we’ll make it.

Of course, Boone’s answer was bland. As a first-year manager, he’s not going to call out the front office and tell it he needs more pieces. But it’s clear that by entering the All-Star break 4 1/2 games back of the Red Sox in the American League East — despite being 29 games over .500 — there’s more work to be done on the roster.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at bkuty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.