Yankees predicted to trade for $56M Cy Young winner, 2X All-Star to pair with Max Fried, Gerrit Cole originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New York Yankees have known for some time that they need additional starting pitching depth. The Yankees explored options during the offseason but were unable to land another starter. They did check in on now-Chicago Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera, but no deal materialized.
“Yankees are talking to Marlins about Edward Cabrera, a terrifically talented pitcher coming off excellent year (3.53 ERA). Cubs and Giants (and others) also believed interested. Marlins pitching depth allows them to consider. Ken Rosenthal 1st mentioned NYY link,” MLB insider Jon Heyman posted.
Another reason for the search for pitching help was that Gerrit Cole and other arms were set to begin the season on the injured list. Cole is now working his way back from injury and recently made his second rehab start of the year.
“Gerrit Cole still has a ways to go before he'll be back on a Major League mound. But he is inching closer to his much-anticipated return. Cole, on the road back from March 2025 Tommy John surgery, made his second rehab appearance on Thursday night with High-A Hudson Valley,” MLB.com’s Shanthi Sepe-Chepuru wrote.
Even with Cole progressing, having too much pitching is never a problem. New York could look to add a proven arm like Sandy Alcántara.
“Sandy Alcántara has been phenomenal this season. If the Marlins opt to trade him, someone is going to get a star. He has been at No. 1 each week so far this season, but this week comes in at No. 2. This isn't because of anything he did, but because of a clear roster problem with the Red Sox,” SI’s Patrick McAvoy wrote.
The Yankees could form a stacked rotation featuring Cole alongside Max Fried and Cam Schlittler. Alcántara is also on a team-friendly contract worth $56 million, which is manageable for New York.
Much will depend on where the Miami Marlins stand as the season progresses, but Alcántara could realistically be available at the trade deadline. If so, adding him would be a major power move for the Yankees.