Insider: Yankees 'eyeing' trade for 4.05 ERA reliever

The New York Yankees are holding onto a Wild Card spot, and ahead of the July 31 Major League Baseball trade deadline, the Yankees have been active.

New York has acquired Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario to add some much-needed infield help. Yet, the Yankees have yet to address their bullpen, but that could soon change.

Yankees insider Brendan Kuty of The Athletic revealed New York has their eyes on Colorado Rockies reliever Jake Bird as a trade target ahead of the deadline.

“A name to add to the ever-growing list of candidates they have reportedly been eyeing, according to league sources: righty Jake Bird of the Rockies,” Kuty wrote. “Several Yankees came away impressed with Bird when he had two appearances against them in Colorado in late May, one player told The Athletic. 

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“The 29-year-old has the strikeout ability (10.5 per nine innings) that the Yankees surely would appreciate. Going into Saturday, Bird also had a 4.05 ERA (but also a 3.09 FIP) in 44 appearances. He won’t be a free agent until after the 2028 season, and it’s unclear how willing the Rockies would be to part with him if he could be part of future success,” Kuty added.

The Yankees' bullpen has been an issue at times, as Bird would be another mid-to-late inning reliever for Aaron Boone to use. 

Bird is 4-1 with a 4.05 ERA, but given he’s only making $770,000 and is under team control for three more seasons so it likely would cost quite a bit to acquire him.

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