The New York Yankees are just weeks away from the MLB trade deadline, and they may look to add to the starting rotation.
While the Yankees can get along fine with the starting five they have, especially once Clarke Schmidt returns from the injured list, some analysts believe it would be worth it to add another stable arm to the rotation.
According to Tim Kelly of Bleacher Report, the Yankees are seen as a strong fit if they were inclined to pursue Detroit Tigers ace Jack Flaherty.
In the middle of a bounce-back season, Flaherty would be an intriguing rental for the Yankees to consider. Pitching matters most in the postseason, and Flaherty has enjoyed a strong campaign thus far.
The 28-year-old is 5-5 in 15 starts with a 3.24 ERA, 115 strikeouts, 14 walks and a 1.00 WHIP in 89 innings. His 33.7% whiff rate, 33% strikeout rate and 4% walk rate all sit in the 95th percentile.
Flaherty works mostly off a three-pitch mix that includes a four-seam fastball, slider and curveball. He seldom works in his changeup and sinker.
Flaherty has reached 100 innings pitched in just two of his last six seasons so there certainly are some concerns about longevity.
But if the Yankees wanted to bolster the rotation for the second half, Flaherty could be an option they pursue.