Linked media – Associated media
NEW YORK — As Jack Flaherty gears up for his second appearance with the Los Angeles Dodgers this Friday night, the New York Yankees might be reflecting on what could have been. The Yankees stepped back from acquiring Flaherty from the Detroit Tigers after examining his medical records, leaving fans and analysts alike pondering the decision’s impact.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman, when pressed about the trade deadline decisions, hinted at complexities in negotiations, specifically the challenge of meeting the Tigers’ trade requirements. “Getting Flaherty would have been ideal, but the logistics didn’t align,” Cashman explained.
Analyzing the trade scenario further, Flaherty, with the MLB’s seventh-best ERA, could have been a strategic addition for the Yankees. The Dodgers’ acquisition cost for Flaherty—catcher/first baseman Thayron Liranzo and former Yankees infielder Trey Sweeney—suggests a comparable offer from the Yankees might have involved prospects like Roderick Arias and Jorbit Vivas. Arias, despite his struggles, and Vivas, a potential future starter, could have been exchanged to secure Flaherty.
The American League’s competitive landscape this season amplifies the significance of acquiring a star pitcher. The Yankees, however, are facing uncertainty in their starting rotation, which has been underperforming since June, marked by a collective ERA of 5.48. This slump includes Nestor Cortes, who recently yielded six runs in a single game.
Manager Aaron Boone remains optimistic, citing the imminent return of players from injuries and the overall capabilities of his team. Yet, the decision not to pursue Flaherty or other high-caliber pitchers after the failed trade leaves the team’s rotation vulnerable.
The Yankees’ pitching woes are evident, with several starters posting the worst ERAs since June. Despite this, no major moves were made to strengthen the rotation, relying instead on Clarke Schmidt’s potential return from injury to bolster the lineup.
As the season progresses, the Yankees will need to evaluate their strategy carefully. With key pitchers struggling and the playoffs approaching, the team’s current configuration might not suffice to contend seriously in October. The decision to pass on Flaherty, given the stakes of this season, may loom large as the Yankees navigate the remainder of their campaign.
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