Fanduel
Log In
The Duel

3 Biggest Team Needs for the New York Yankees Before the MLB Trade Deadline

By Zach Brunner

Divisional Round - Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees - Game Three
Divisional Round - Boston Red Sox v New York Yankees - Game Three / Elsa/Getty Images
facebooktwitterreddit

Despite a number of injuries, the New York Yankees have battled their way to the top of the American League standings, increasing their odds to win the 2019 World Series, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. While the Yankees are enjoying their success right now, there are still moves to be made to place them in more serious contention for this October.

Here are the three biggest needs the Yankees should address before the 2019 MLB Trade Deadline on July 31.

3. Bullpen (Middle Reliever)

Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays v New York Yankees / Michael Owens/Getty Images

While the Yankees' bullpen has been a strength this season, even New York could use more depth at middle reliever for the second half of the year. New York starts getting a little thin after Aroldis Chapman, Zack Britton, Adam Ottavino and Tommy Kahnle. With the kind of workload this corps is racking up through June, it's tough to see this level of performance remaining consistent over the next few months, especially into a potential late-October run.

2. Versatile Utility Player

Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

If you haven't noticed this trend yet, the Yankees' primary need for depth comes as more of an insurance policy for the next few months. They have the talent to win it all, just as long as all of that talent stays healthy. However, between Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge's extremely limited availability in 2019, this has proven much easier said than done. Acquiring a versatile piece that could fit in at various positions could be vital in case the Yanks lose another starter between now and September. Some emphasis should be put on the ability to play center field though, as the Yankees only have a few players who can fill that role for the time being.

1. Starting Pitching

Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees
Tampa Bay Rays v New York Yankees / Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

The Yankees' current starting rotation consists of Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton, J.A. Happ and CC Sabathia. Luis Severino has hit another snag in his recovery process, making it hard to count on him down the stretch, even when he makes an eventual healthy return. New York needs at least one more arm to sure up the depth of this rotation, and names like Mike Minor and Madison Bumgarner are two likely trade targets we could see the Yankees chase in the coming month.

Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.