The New York Yankees, naturally, are linked to just about every player that becomes available via trade ahead of the deadline.
Since the Washington Nationals made Juan Soto available, they have been linked with the star slugger.
However, their priority appears to be focused on the pitching side of things.
They could still land Soto…it’s just less likely at this point.
Instead, an MLB insider is reporting that they are interested in Oakland Athletics starter Frankie Montas and Cincinnati Reds ace Luis Castillo.
“Yankees are in on Frankie Montas as well as Luis Castillo (and others). Starting pitching a priority. Nothing known to be close,” Jon Heyman of MLB Network said via Twitter.
Yankees are in on Frankie Montas as well as Luis Castillo (and others). Starting pitching a priority. Nothing known to be close.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 27, 2022
The Yankees recently lost star pitcher Luis Severino to a lat strain, and he is expected to miss at least a few weeks.
Both Montas And Castillo Would Be Instant Upgrades
Montas or Castillo would seamlessly slot in the rotation, replacing Domingo German.
Both Montas and Castillo are established stars, so they are going to cost a lot to acquire.
The Yankees, however, have a myriad of good prospects, ranging from outfielder Jasson Dominguez to shortstops Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza.
Castillo, 29, is sporting a 2.77 ERA in 78 innings this season.
On the other hand, Montas has a 3.18 ERA in 104.2 frames with the A’s.
Both can be viewed as aces who can slot in the rotation and immediately return excellent production.
However, the Yankees have several needs to fill.
They need to replace Joey Gallo in the outfield, and Soto would be perfect.
In addition to that, the bullpen has become an area of need after Michael King‘s season-ending elbow injury.
In any case, it looks like it’s going to be an active deadline for the Yanks.
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