Yankees: Which starting pitcher could they acquire before the trade deadline?

J.A. Happ

A cheaper version of the Cole Hamels trade possibility might be J.A. Happ, another veteran lefty who has actually found more success in the latter half of his career than the former.

Although not necessarily “cheap”, Happ is to be paid $13 million this season, but this is the last year of his current contract, making him ideal for a playoff push by the Yankees.

Pitching well thus far, Happ’s ERA stands at 3.48 for the 2018 season with the highest strikeout rate of his career, 28.1 percent. His batting average against is also of high regard, .205, 15th lowest in baseball (among qualified starters). His WHIP, coincidentally, is also 15th lowest in baseball at 1.06, showing his undervalued abilities.

Outpitching most starters this year, including Hamels, to go along with a somewhat attractive contract state, Happ seems to be exactly what the Yanks are searching for this trade deadline.

Being an under the radar arm nearing the tail end of his career, the Toronto Blue Jays might be willing to give up Happ for little in exchange. Not to mention that the Blue Jays sit 16 games out of first place in the MLB’s best division, giving up a high salary player in hopes of adding some potential looks to be the Yankees best bet to land a top-notch starter.

Similar to Hamels in experience and role, both Happ and Hamels are the aces of their staffs while in their mid-30s. Both these two also first appeared in the Majors while members of the Philadelphia Phillies in addition to winning the World Series with the Phillies back in 2008.

The Yankees could lean towards letting go of some solid hitters who are expected to develop such as Drury and/or Austin to make this trade work as the Blue Jays have no use for an expiring starter on a failing team.