Yankees Rumors: Chris Archer, Zack Wheeler and a bat

With a little more than 24 hours to go until the non-waiver trade deadline, the rumor mill is heating up as the Yankees are still being linked to pitchers Chris Archer and Zack Wheeler, and now, the addition of suitable bat.

Yankees fans need to brace themselves because they are likely to be inundated with trade rumors as we approach Tuesday’s 4 P.M. non-waiver deadline.

Although general manager Brian Cashman has been already made four trades this July, most recently sending minor league left-hander Caleb Frare to the White Sox for $1.5 million in international bonus pool money, it doesn’t look like Cash is finished just yet.

The rumor that refuses to die is Chris Archer of the Rays coming to the Bronx. While we’ve already spoken about this possibility at length, on Monday, CBS Sports’ Jim Bowden stated that the Yankees were favorites to land Archer and his 4.31 ERA in 96 innings pitched this season.

A short time later, Jon Heyman reported that the Rays had two scouts in attendance on Thursday, watching Yankees No. 1 prospect Justus Sheffield twirl 5.2 innings of three-hit, one-run ball while striking out three and lowering his Triple-A ERA to 2.37.

More from Yankees News

For me, there’s no way I’m dealing the organization’s best, brightest and most big league ready talent for anyone other than Madison Bumgarner, Jacob deGrom or Blake Snell. And as we’ve been told, all three aren’t up for sale.

Archer, who’s never made a Postseason start in his seven-year major league career, is a two-time All-Star, but at 29, hasn’t had an ERA below four since 2015.

Then there’s Zack Wheeler of the crosstown Mets. Wheeler, 28, picked an excellent time to toss perhaps his best start of the year on Sunday. Versus the Pirates, Wheeler pitched six innings of scoreless ball, scattering five hits and striking out seven.

On the season, Wheeler is now 5-6 with a 4.11 ERA, 1.288 WHIP and 116:42 K:BB ratio in 120.1 innings. The former top prospect in the Giants organization has battled injuries for the bulk of his career, but his potential has often outweighed the reality of the situation.

Now on a bit of a hot streak (six runs allowed in his last 20.2 innings), the last-place Mets are tempted to cash in. According to Heyman, interested clubs have yet to reach the Mets’ high asking price; however, should they come down on their demands, the Yankees are believed to be right in the mix.

Lastly, the reliable Jon Heyman states that despite recently acquiring first baseman Luke Voit (and international bonus pool money) from the Cardinals for Chasen Shreve and Giovanny Gallegos, the Bombers are still in the market for a right-handed power stick to pick up some of the slack left over from injuries to Gary Sanchez, Aaron Judge and Clint Frazier.

With Voit quickly sent to Triple-A Scranton, Heyman believes a reunion with veteran outfielder Curtis Granderson could be in the cards.

Next. Happ-y days ahead despite Judge injury. dark

Although ‘The Grady Man’ is lefty stick, the Yankees are well aware of his potential, having been a two-time All-Star between 2010-14 with the Bombers. Now 37, Granderson would provide a suitable bat off the bench, capable of playing a corner outfield spot while delivering ample veteran leadership.

In 253 at-bats this year, Granderson is slashing .233/.334/.419 with 15 doubles, 10 home runs and 31 RBIs.

With a little more than 24 hours to go until the non-waiver trade deadline, the rumor mill is heating up as the Yankees are still being linked to pitchers Chris Archer and Zack Wheeler, and now, the addition of suitable bat.

Schedule