MLB trade rumors: Yankees reach out about Padres’ Brad Hand, Tyson Ross?

by Felix Pantaleón

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has kept busy with the July 31, 2018 (7/31/18) MLB non-waiver trade deadline approaching. The Yankees have reportedly reached out to the Padres about relievers Brad Hand and Kirby Yates and starting pitcher Tyson Ross, according to a report from the New York Post’s Joel Sherman.

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The Yankees have reached out to the Padres with the trade deadline approaching, according to a report from The New York Post’s Joel Sherman.

From the report:

The Padres are getting a lot of hits on starter Tyson Ross and several relievers, notably Brad Hand and Kirby Yates. The Yankees are among those who have checked in.

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The Yankees’ biggest need is in the starting rotation, where they could use one, if not two, arms.

If they can’t secure them, however, general manager Brian Cashman could go alternate routes. He could look to bolster a bullpen that is perhaps already the best in the game. Or he could try to reinforce the offense, which he did in the offseason when the Yankees acquired reigning National League MVP Giancarlo Stanton from the Marlins.

The Yankees have been connected to dozens of names already as the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches.

Yates is a particularly interesting name.

Yates made the Yankees’ Opening Day roster in 2016 but put up a 5.23 ERA through 41 games and 41 1/3 innings. While he struck out plenty of hitters (10.9 K/9), he also walked way too many (4.1 BB/9).

This season has been much different for Yates. He’s turned in a 1.43 ERA in 39. games and 37 2/3 innings, striking out 11.5 batters per nine innings while walking just 2.6.

Hand, a two-time All-Star, has been on the Yankees’ radar since last season. The Yankees could view Ross as a low-cost innings eater. He’ll be a free agent at season’s end.

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