Yankees: Marcus Stroman is the pitcher needed before the trade deadline

Even after scattering seven hits and three runs while striking out seven in a six-inning loss, Marcus Stroman is still the pitcher the Yankees should target at the July 31st trade deadline.

After a dominant first half, the Bombers will need to tighten up some loose edges on the roster to ensure the team is poised for a deep playoff run. Starting pitching has been the most inconsistent position for the Yankees this season, especially with the uncertainty of Luis Severino’s injury and a potential innings limit for Domingo German.

The rumor mill is abuzz with possible trade partners for the Yanks, but potential deals seem to be dwindling as the deadline approaches. Trevor Bauer is on the top of most Yankee fan’s lists, but it seems unlikely that the Indians would part with a star pitcher being only 6.5 games back of the division-leading Twins.

Madison Bumgarner and Max Scherzer seem like a dream of the past, and now the Yankees are faced with the harsh reality that a new arm is needed to bolster the rotation for a World Series run.

So what’s the answer? How about Marcus Stroman.

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A Long Island native, Stroman could be just what the Yankees need to take this team to the next level. Stroman holds a strong 3.25 ERA to go along with an above average BB/9 rate of 2.8. Stroman also posts a 2.97 BABIP which suggests he is creating a lot of soft contact, which would be vital for pitching in Yankee Stadium.

The Blue Jays are in the middle of a rebuild, and while their prospects look bright; however, they are still a few years off from being a contender in the East. It seems their rebuild could be accelerated somewhat by getting a big haul for their ace.

It just so happens the Yanks have precisely what the Blue Jays would need in return for Stroman.

Interestingly enough, Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins were both members of the Indians front office that drafted Clint Frazier. Frazier could undoubtedly be a key piece in any trade made for a big-time pitcher, among other things.

As well as Frazier has played, and fan-favorite aside, he simply does not have a roster spot when this Yankee team is fully healthy. Brett Gardner is hitting the ball too well, and Aaron Hicks is starting to come on as of late. Frazier would be much better served as the centerpiece in a blockbuster deadline move.

The time is here for the second half and it’s time to prepare for a World Series run. Adding Stroman to the mix will only increase the Yankees chances of making that happen.