Yankees trade pitch brings Cy Young winner to New York in 'dream scenario'

The New York Yankees remain among the elite American League teams, but there's still a major flaw within the roster.

While Max Fried has admirably assumed the role of the ace amid Gerrit Cole's absence, the rest of the starting rotation has been shaky, to say the least.

Sitting near the top of the entire American League with an 18-13 record entering Thursday, there's a good chance the Yankees will be buyers at the Major League Baseball trade deadline yet again.

The "dream scenario" for New York, according to Christopher Hennessy of Clutch Points, would be to land Miami Marlins star Sandy Alcantara in a midseason blockbuster trade.

"The Cubs will be involved as well, especially after losing Justin Steele for the season. Other contenders like the Tigers, Guardians, or Brewers could make the move. And don't be surprised if the Orioles cash in some of their prospects, trying to save their brutal rotation," Hennessy wrote. "The Yankees would likely have to give up outfield prospect Spencer Jones to get this deal done, but it would be worth it. This is the dream scenario for the Yankees."

The Yankees will certainly have some competition for the 2022 National League Cy Young award winner, and their lack of a deep prospect pool could be the reason they don't land a deal.

Parting ways with Spencer Jones, the team's No. 2 overall prospect, might be the key for New York to make a splash deal.

Jones, 23, is enjoying a resurgent season at Double-A. In 23 games, he has eight home runs and a .931 OPS. His 17% walk rate is currently a career-high, though his 35% strikeout rate is still higher than the Yankees would like it to be.

Alcantara will turn 30 years old in September, and he's had a rough start to the season. In six starts, he's 2-3 with an 8.31 ERA across 26 innings pitched.

The Yankees will want to see him bounce back before making a splash deal, but Alcantara is still a name to watch as the deadline approaches.