New York Yankees linked to hard-throwing reliever as MLB Trade Deadline looms

As the MLB Trade Deadline looms, the New York Yankees are gearing up to bolster their roster, with a keen eye on reinforcing their bullpen. One standout they’ve been closely monitoring is Michael Kopech, the hard-throwing right-handed pitcher who transitioned to a relief role this season after a stretch of starting.

Reports from Bruce Levine of 670 The Score indicate that the Yankees are among several teams keeping tabs on Kopech as July 30 approaches. Despite a mixed statistical profile—posting a 4.91 ERA with a 2-6 record and a 1.50 WHIP—Kopech’s blazing fastball averaging nearly 99 mph has garnered attention. His ability to rack up strikeouts, tallying 43 in just 29.1 innings pitched, underscores his appeal amidst New York’s quest to bolster their bullpen’s effectiveness, particularly in generating strikeouts where they currently rank 21st in MLB.

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What adds to Kopech’s allure is his contract status, remaining under team control through the 2025 season before potentially hitting free agency in 2026. This makes him not just a short-term fix but a viable long-term asset for any team looking to solidify their pitching depth.

With the Yankees expected to be active in the trade market, Kopech emerges as a prominent name in discussions leading up to the deadline. As speculation swirls and talks intensify, the Yankees’ pursuit of Kopech highlights their strategic focus on fortifying their bullpen for the challenges ahead in the competitive MLB landscape.