Perfect Yankees Pitching Trade Target Just Became Available

If the New York Yankees have any need despite their 23-13 start, it's in the bullpen.

The Yankees have already lost Jonathan Loaisiga for the season while Tommy Kahnle, Scott Effross, and Lou Trivino may return at some point but are also on the shelf. A team like the Yankees with high playoff hopes can truly never have too many relief pitchers, especially with the trend in pitching injuries.

The MLB has already seen the start of the first deadline fire sale, with the Marlins trading away Luis Arraez, and the Chicago White Sox may be next. Bob Nightengale expects Chicago to trade several players, including pitcher Chris Flexen.

The White Sox have deployed Flexen as a starting pitcher but, during his career the most success has come with Flexen coming out of the bullpen. On the season, Flexen is 1-3 in five starts with a 4.85 ERA.

Acquiring Chris Flexen could be the perfect project for Matt Blake, as we've seen him elevate plenty of relievers for the Yanks. Flexen hasn't used his sinker much this season, throwing it just 1% of the time while he uses his slider just 7% of the time. If Matt Blake could tap into Flexen's underutilized pitches the Yankees could end up finding a solid bullpen piece for cheap.

Even if the Yankees don't view Chris Flexen as a true long-term fix, he could certainly help the team in the short term. As Flexen is currently stretched out as a starter, he could become the Yankees long reliever while transitioning back into a relief role. The Yankees can also use him to bridge the time until some of the team's better relievers return to full health.

Moving Soon is Imporant For the Yankees

The trade deadline objective this season is clear for the Yankees, as they certainly won't be sellers after going all-in for Juan Soto. The Yankees should look to address any of their needs prior to the trade deadline to maximize this team's potential before the market really starts to get competitive. The Yankees will be in a battle to win the American League East, and if there's any way to upgrade the team Brian Cashman should look to do it as soon as possible.

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