The New York Yankees are looking to bolster their rotation ahead of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline, addressing the starting pitching issues that have plagued them during their recent slide. According to Jon Heyman of the New York Post, the Yankees might consider trading pitcher Nestor Cortes. Heyman indicated on X (formerly Twitter) that “Nestor Cortes is a name that’s definitely out there” and that a trade wouldn’t be surprising.
Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY added that the Yankees are in extensive talks with the Detroit Tigers regarding Jack Flaherty, one of the best starting pitchers available. Nightengale noted that the Yankees plan to trade Cortes if they acquire Flaherty, supporting Heyman’s earlier report.
Trading Cortes might seem surprising, as contenders typically don’t trade from their rotation, especially when starting pitching is a significant need. Cortes has been mostly reliable for the Yankees over the past four seasons, with a 4.13 ERA in 22 starts (124 1/3 innings) this season and an All-Star selection in 2022.
However, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman might have a strategic plan to stabilize the roster after a midseason rough patch. The Yankees’ potential rotation could include Flaherty, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, and Luis Gil, with Clarke Schmidt possibly returning and contributing. Using Cortes as a trade chip could help the Yankees address other areas of weakness, improving their overall chances as they push for a postseason run.