.jpg)
3 hours ago
1
The New York Yankees look like a major threat to repeat as American League champions, but they're still one starting pitcher away.
The Yankees have been behind the eight-ball ever since spring training, losing Gerrit Cole for the year and Luis Gil for several months.
Though Will Warren's recent improvements have helped New York's rotation round into form, another veteran starter would go a long way towards shoring things up. All that starter would need to do is assume the number-five role and give the Yankees some bulk innings.
The Subway Series just happened over the weekend, and vitriol between the Yankees and New York Mets was at an all-time high. But what if the two sides surprised the world by making a mutually beneficial trade?
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report's Kerry Miller suggested that the Yankees could swap prospect Cam Schlittler with Mets right-hander Paul Blackburn, who has not thrown a pitch yet this season, but was once an American League All-Star with the Athletics in 2022.
"Cam Schlittler has become an intriguing trade chip. Since the beginning of last season, he has racked up 198 strikeouts in 158.1 innings pitched with an ERA of 3.24," Miller wrote.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
"Perhaps a spot for a rare New York-New York trade, as Paul Blackburn wouldn't be a bad option for a No. 5 starter in the Bronx? They've only made one actual trade in the past two decades, though."
Blackburn, 31, was traded from the Athletics to the Mets last deadline, but wound up making only five starts before hitting the injured list with a back injury. Then, a knee injury set him back in spring training, but his return is imminent after his most recent rehab start with Triple-A Syracuse.
Though Blackburn has never made more than 21 starts in a season, he demonstrated enough consistency in 2022 and 2023 that he could be a stabilizer in the number-five role for either New York team.
More MLB: Cubs could sign Mets 4-time All-Star if Kyle Tucker leaves Chicago, per insider
English (US)