The MLB trade deadline is less than a week away, and the New York Yankees are expected to be major players at this year's deadline.
While Tarik Skubal might not be a realistic option, there are plenty of star players who could make sense for the Yankees. Brian Cashman and company will be busy by the deadline.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Yankees have one need at this year's trade deadline that is their "real priority." Instead of catcher or outfield needs, the Yankees' top need this summer is their bullpen.
"The injuries to Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger leave the Yankees' lineup looking like that of a spring training game, with a lot of players asked to assume more responsibility than expected," Olney writes. "And yet the Yankees' real priority as the deadline approaches seems to be reliever, a power arm who can help them match up with the best hitters on the best teams in October."
With the MLB trade deadline just a few days away, Olney is reporting that the Yankees' top priority at the deadline isn't help behind the plate, but rather on the mound out of the bullpen.
Ryan Jeffers or Hunter Goodman would be incredible pickups for the Yankees in their pursuit of catcher help. Replacing Austin Wells is a priority, but not higher than that of upgrading the bullpen.
The Yankees' top need is in the bullpen, so the team's resources are best spent on trying to land Mason Miller of Adrian Morejon from the San Diego Padres.
If the Padres aren't sellers, New York Mets' relievers Luke Weaver, Brooks Raley, and A.J. Minter would be good trade targets.
Antonio Senzatela of the Colorado Rockies, Kirby Yates of the Los Angeles Angels, John Schreiber of the Kansas City Royals, Jeff Hoffman of the Toronto Blue Jays, and Brock Burke of the Cincinnati Reds are some other good reliever trade targets.
Plenty more bullpen arms will become available for the Yankees by the deadline, and if they could land someone like Miller or Weaver, it'd be the perfect upgrade at the trade deadline.
But, even if they settle for someone like Morejon, the Yankees could significantly upgrade their bullpen for an eventual deep postseason push in a wide-open American League.
Bullpen is the priority at the trade deadline for the Yankees, with their other needs likely taking a backseat to the relief pitching need in New York.
