Yankees: Grading every move they made before the trade deadline

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NEW YORK, NY – JULY 29: J.A. Happ #34 of the New York Yankees pitches in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Yankee Stadium on July 29, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

July 26th: Yankees acquire LHP J.A. Happ from the Blue Jays for IF Brandon Drury, and OF Billy McKinney

The Yankees finally addressed their biggest need by adding the veteran Happ to their starting rotation. This was the most important move Cashman made before the deadline and one that should pay big dividends. Happ will provide stability every fifth day and keep the Yankees in the game every time he takes the mound.

He’s not an ace but he’s a very solid pitcher with postseason experience and good career numbers against the rival Red Sox. Just like Britton, moving to the Yankees and playing meaningful baseball every day should bring out the best in Happ.

Giving up Drury and McKinney stings more after the recent injury to Aaron Judge, but they had to get Happ and they got him without giving up any of tier-top prospects. They needed to add a starter more than any other contender and both players were blocked off from getting consistent playing time with the Yankees at the big league level.

Maybe they could have saved Drury to include him in a package for a younger starter under team control this offseason, but that’s the only reason why this move doesn’t get an A.

Grade: B+

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