The New York Yankees (32-25) remain atop the AL East and lead the Tampa Bay Rays by 1.5 games after sweeping the Los Angeles Angels this weekend. However, general manager Brian Cashman still may look to upgrade at the trade deadline.
One of the team's glaring issues is the middle infield. Shortstop Didi Gregorius (.238/.294/.311 with 15 runs scored, 2 home runs and 13 RBIs) and second baseman Stephen Drew (.168/.232/.335 with 15 runs scored, 7 home runs and 19 RBIs) have been unable to find their rhythm.
Additionally, the promotion of second baseman Jose Pirela (.268/.268/.390 with three runs scored, one home run and one RBI in 17 games) has not provided the offensive boost Cashman had hoped.
As a result, this will seemingly be the aspect of the roster Cashman looks to improve at the trade deadline.
"The Yankees are interested in Ben Zobrist, which should surprise no one considering their second-base issues. They are surprised that Jose Pirela hasn't performed since his promotion, and Stephen Drew's batting average remains oddly low again," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. "Yankees people think Rob Refnsyder can hit at the big-league level now, but his defense remains a little rough. Of course, as an A's person said, 'There will be many teams interested in Zobrist.'"
However, Joel Sherman of the New York Post says the club may not give up on their current middle infield duo just yet.
"In a phone conversation, Drew's agent, Scott Boras, said he did not think his client was in danger of being released, citing his defensive ability, versatility (Drew also plays short) and 15-homer pace ...
"Cashman has said the Yankees believe in Gregorius' ceiling and are not about to give up on him. Gregorius is the only Yankee among their top 11 in plate appearances who is under the age of 31 - he is 25 - so he is vital for the future."
Their other weakness can be found in the starting rotation, which ranks 16th in the MLB with a 4.08 ERA. CC Sabathia has been unable to return to his former self and it looks like it's going to stay that way. Masahiro Tanaka's long-term health still remains an issue. Michael Pineda has been the top performer while Nathan Eovaldi is still looking to find his rhythm. Adam Warren has filled in nicely, but he's been a reliever for most of his career (11 of his 14 career starts have come in 2015) and it's unknown how long he'll be in the rotation for.
Which brings us to the main question: will the team explore starting pitching at the deadline?
"The rotation will actually be less of a priority if the starters stay healthy. That, of course, is a big 'if''," says FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal. "But Masahiro Tanaka's return on Wednesday was encouraging and Ivan Nova coming off of Tommy John surgery will begin a rehabilitation assignment on Monday.
"Keep in mind as well, the Yankees have two hard-throwing prospects at Triple-A - Luis Severino and Bryan Mitchell. The team's improved depth on the farm gives them the capability of going out and trading for someone like Cole Hamels, but general manager Brian Cashman, without naming names, said some of the prospects are untouchable."
Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe managed to provide a name:
"It doesn't appear Severino could be had in a deal, though the Phillies are scouting him and have him on their wish list in any trade for Cole Hamels," he wrote.
If New York isn't going to chase top starters at the deadline then they probably won't go after any at all. There are still eight-plus weeks until the deadline, though, and much can change from now until then.
Right now, the Yanks could be preparing to make a move before July 31 if the price is right.
