New York Yankees Editorial: Three Cheap Pitchers The Yankees Should Pursue

The trade deadline is rapidly approaching and the New York Yankees find themselves with a comfortable five game lead in the American League East. Without a doubt, there remains room to improve for the competitive Yankees, especially in regards to the starting rotation.

Could Yankees’ fans see the organization make a blockbuster move? The answer is probably not. General manager Brian Cashman has stated that there is a, “strong possibility” that the Yankees do not make a deal at the deadline to ESPNNewYork.com.

“There is a strong possibility that there might not be anything that makes sense for us” (Marchand).

That being said, a large trade could almost be certainly ruled out, but could the Yankees make a deal for a lower end pitcher to increase their stability?

Here’s a look at three pitchers who might make sense:

Jun 28, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher

(29) pitches in the first inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

1.) Jeff Samardzija, Chicago White Sox

Samardzija is currently on a one-year deal, worth $9.8 million with the White Sox. Although he has not been what he had been with the Chicago Cubs, Samardzija adds veteran leadership and a new dynamic to the Yankees rotation. Currently, Samardzija holds a 4.08 earned run average (ERA) and has struck out 105 batters. In addition, he has limited his walks, totaling to 26 total walks.

If the Yankees were looking for merely a rental piece with low risk, Samardzija could be the ideal fit, and could quite possibly happen.

Jul 12, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago White Sox starting pitcher

(62) delivers a pitch during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports

2.) Jose Quintana, Chicago White Sox

Another White Sox pitcher that could be dealt, specifically to the Yankees, is Quintana. At this point in the season, the 42-49 White Sox do not look to contend in the vicious American League Central. Now 13.5 games back from the division leader, the White Sox could look to unload Quintana.

Quintana holds a respectable 3.83 ERA, while striking out 105 batters. During his career tenure with the White Sox, the 26-year-old has been consistent, holding a lifetime 3.56 ERA. Insert the Yankees; Quintana would not be considered a rental player for the Yankees, due to his contract expiring in 2019. The current contract is a five-year, $26.5 million, with a team option in both 2019 and 2020.

Sep 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Milwaukee Brewers starting pitcher

(38) throws to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

3.) Wily Peralta, Milwaukee Brewers  

If the Yankees were looking to add another arm to the rotation, Peralta could come at the cheapest price. Peralta has been on disabled list due to strained left oblique since May 22. Recently, he has made two successful rehab starts, providing a good sign for other organizations.

Similary to Samardzija, Peralta would act as a rental player for the Yankees. His current contract is a one-year, $525,000 deal. Thus far, Perlta owns a 4.00 ERA and a 1-5 record.

Peralta is also All-Star relief pitcher Dellin Betances‘ good friend, which could provide a safe and comforting atmosphere in the hefty New York environment.

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