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As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are shaping up to be one of the most active teams in the market. Sitting at 55-45, they currently lead the American League Wild Card race and are just four games behind the Toronto Blue Jays in the AL East standings. Despite their decent record, the Yankees have glaring holes to address if they want to make a serious push in the second half of the season, especially at third base and in their starting rotation.
Injuries have hit the Yankees hard this year, particularly on the mound. Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt are both out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, leaving a major void in the rotation. That’s pushed the front office into high gear, as reinforcements are needed. On the infield, third base has also been a weak spot throughout the year, limiting offensive production from an otherwise powerful lineup.
Kerry Miller from Bleacher Report suggests the Yankees could solve both issues in one move by making a trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks for third baseman Eugenio Suárez and starting pitcher Merrill Kelly. It’s a bold idea, but one that makes a lot of sense.
Suárez has been on a tear this season, posting a strong .933 OPS with 36 home runs and 86 RBI. His right-handed power bat would thrive even more at Yankee Stadium, a ballpark known for being kind to hitters. Adding that kind of pop at third base could give the Yankees the offensive boost they’ve been missing from that position all year.
Meanwhile, Kelly brings exactly what the Yankees need on the mound: experience and reliability. He’s put together a solid 9-5 record with a 3.32 ERA over 21 starts this season, pitching 122 innings and showing he can handle a starter’s workload deep into the year. With New York’s rotation depth severely tested, Kelly could instantly become one of their most dependable arms.
Of course, there’s no guarantee Arizona will be sellers at the deadline. The Diamondbacks recently swept the Cardinals and are making a push of their own. But if they don’t stay hot, the front office may decide it’s smarter to move pieces like Suárez and Kelly for future assets.
For the Yankees, this is a rare opportunity to address two urgent needs in one deal, without sacrificing the core of their offence or bullpen. If they pull it off, it could make the difference between a solid playoff run and a real shot at the World Series.
One thing is certain: all eyes will be on the Bronx as the deadline nears.