Yankees Daily Trade Deadline Profile: Yu Darvish

MLB’s non-waiver trade deadline is July 31st. As the New York Yankees appear to be in playoff contention, every day this month we will take a look at a player who could be involved in the Yankees’ deadline activity. These players will either be current Yankees who could be traded away or players from other organizations who New York could look to acquire for the playoff push.

With Michael Pineda done for the season and most likely headed for Tommy John surgery, the Yankees could look to acquire a starting pitcher at the trade deadline.

SP Yu Darvish, Texas Rangers, Buy

Rumors have been swirling about the Texas Rangers trading Yu Darvish or Cole Hamels at the trade deadline if their play does not pick up in the second half of the season.

At 45-45 and 15.5 games back of the Houston Astros in the AL West, the Rangers would be fighting for a Wild Card spot at best.

The 2017 Texas Rangers are very similar to the 2016 New York Yankees.

Both teams have high payrolls and veteran talent with nothing more than a shot at a Wild Card spot. The Yankees made the prudent decision to sell its veterans and the Rangers would be wise to do the same.

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A free agent at the end of the season, Yu Darvish could net Texas a similar package to what the Yankees got for Aroldis Chapman at last year’s trade deadline.

The Yankees likely want to keep top prospects Gleyber Torres and Clint Frazier out of deadline deals but could offer the Rangers Blake Rutherford and Jorge Mateo.

Two of MLB.com‘s top 37 prospects should pique Texas’ interest.

Yu Darvish is 6-8 this year, but he’s pitched much better than his record indicates. Darvish has an ERA of 3.49 and has struck out 125 batters in 118.2 innings.

Darvish would join Luis Severino and the new and improved Masahiro Tanaka at the top of a rotation that could work its way through the playoffs.

As good as Jordan Montgomery has been, he’s a rookie and has obviously never pitched in the playoffs before. CC Sabathia has also pitched well but is always an injury concern, turning 37 years old next week.

Next: Yankees Daily Trade Deadline Profile: Blake Rutherford

New York needs to address their pitching staff whether it’s their rotation or the bullpen. If Brian Cashman goes the starting pitching route, Yu Darvish could be a top target.

Tomorrow we will take a look at another starting pitcher who is reportedly already drawing interest from the Yankees.