Yankees: 6 Untouchables Who Should Not Be in Trade Talks

The Yankees would be smart to keep these arms close at hand.

P Jonathan Loaisiga and P Deivi Garcia

When it comes to pitching prospects, the Yankees should keep Jonathan Loaisiga and Deivi Garcia out of the majority of trade talks.

Both hurlers are poised to become key arms for New York very soon. Loaisiga was expected to be in the rotation prior to the pandemic ,and Garcia was due for his first big league action in 2020.

When it comes to Loaisiga, his velocity and sharp breaking ball make him a viable bullpen piece even if the Yankees rotation fills out when the season begins. In the long term, that may also be where he is best suited. The Yankees need some youth in the bullpen, as many of their top arms are over 30 years old.

Loaisiga boasts a 97 MPH fastball and an impressive curveball. His numbers are far from eye-popping (15 games, 4.95 FIP, 31 innings), but all reports out of camp indicated that the Yankees viewed him as a valuable arm in 2020.

Garcia projects more as a starter. While he may not find that role this season, veteran arms James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka are set to hit the market. While it remains a possibility they both return, they will be 32 next season, with their best years behind them.

It’s hard to say prospects are completely untouchable, but unless New York is getting a superstar like Francisco Lindor, Garcia and Loaisiga need to remain on the roster.