New York Yankees: Four players they should consider trading for during the season

2. LHP Robbie Ray

The Yankees walk into the 2020 season with one of the best starting rotations in the American League. If the regular season were to start on time, their rotation would consist of Cole, Masahiro Tanaka, J.A. Happ, Jordan Montgomery, and one other starter, likely Jonathan Loaisiga. That rotation alone is above average with Cole leading the way.

James Paxton should be close to returning by mid-May at the earliest although Luis Severino won’t be seeing any action at all this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery last month. However, as I noted with the bullpen you can never have too much depth when it comes to pitching.

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A name that was heavily talked about during the Trade Deadline last year was Ray, and Cashman had some interest in the southpaw. The D’Backs asking price was reportedly way too high and they wanted any potential offer to include outfielder Clint Frazier.

Although Ray will be another player that would be a rental, he could provide depth to the Yankees rotation in case of an injury or if any pitcher struggles throughout the season. Ray has had a history of a high walk rate, but he also is one of the best strikeout pitchers in baseball amongst southpaws.

Ray is expected to make $9.43 million in his final year of arbitration so if the D’Backs are out fo the race they’ll likely look to trade him instead of letting him walk in the offseason for nothing.