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Yankees Trade for Pitcher After Opening-Series Sweep

The New York Yankees have made an addition early on in the year.

By Richard Louis

Mar 31, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) watches the action from
Mar 31, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) watches the action from / Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
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The 2024 MLB season officially started last week and the New York Yankees kicked things off in style. The Bronx Bombers swept the Houston Astros in a four-game series to begin the season 4-0.

Despite the wins, the Yankees decided to make a trade and brought in another arm. The team announced on Mar. 31 that they acquired right-handed pitcher Jake Cousins from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for cash considerations.

Yankees News: New York Traded for RHP Jake Cousins

Cousins signed a minor league contract with the White Sox in December but wasn't named to the 40-man roster.

He had a strong spring training in Chicago, notching 11 strikeouts in seven innings of work while also logging a 1.29 ERA.

Cousins last played in the majors in 2023 with the Milwaukee Brewers. In seven appearances, he had seven K's, 10 walks, and 4.82 ERA in 9.1 innings pitched.

Across his career, the 29-year-old has a 3-1 record with a 3.08 ERA and 72 strikeouts. Although it is unclear exactly what Cousins' role will be in 2024 with the Yankees, he at least provides them with another live arm.

This first series of the year showcased how elite the Yankees can be. Rolling into the regular season, New York currently has the second-best odds in the AL (+450) to make the World Series, behind the Houston Astros, who they just swept. They will need their stars healthy and available for the season to make a run for it. Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook to lock in these odds.

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