The New York Yankees are reportedly in discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates ahead of the MLB trade deadline as the Bronx Bombers look to strengthen their pitching staff. Notably, they are not pursuing Paul Skenes. Instead, according to ESPN’s Jorge Castillo, the Yankees have expressed interest in several Pirates pitchers other than Skenes. While no specific players have been confirmed, Castillo highlighted starter Mitch Keller and relievers Caleb Ferguson, David Bednar, and Dennis Santana as potential trade candidates.
Keller stands out as the most impactful option, but the Yankees must weigh whether they’re willing to pay the steep prospect price for a controllable, reliable starter like him—especially with star Aaron Judge sidelined indefinitely due to an elbow injury.
Castillo noted that acquiring Keller, a solid mid-rotation starter under contract for the next three years at roughly $54.5 million, would demand a significant return. The same goes for Bednar, one of the top relievers available and team-controlled through next season. The Yankees face pressure to improve their rotation and bullpen before the deadline, especially after losing key arms like Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt to Tommy John surgery. With Luis Gil still rehabbing and unlikely to return immediately, relying on him now would be risky.
Given these challenges and Judge’s injury, GM Brian Cashman may hesitate to give up too much, even for players who won’t be short-term rentals. However, if circumstances shift, the Pirates could provide valuable options during another tough season for their team.
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