Yankees: 3 trades Brian Cashman already whiffed big on

2. Mychal Givens to the Reds

Shortly after the Reds made their trade with the Yanks, they went ahead and called up the Colorado Rockies, who sent them a third reliever in Mychal Givens.

We’re a bit surprised Givens wasn’t more heavily pursued by the Yankees considering his delivery is very similar to that of Darren O’Day’s, who is now out for the season with a hamstring injury. Though Givens relies more on his fastball, his devastating changeup and slider from that wonky arm angle would’ve been a spot-on complement to the flamethrowers the Bombers have in the bullpen.

Not to mention, he would’ve cost under $2 million and minimal prospect capital since his peripherals don’t align with his actual production (his exit velocity isn’t great and his FIP is almost two points higher than his ERA). The Yankees didn’t necessarily need another high-priced or elite reliever … they just needed a different pitching style that could, when called upon, eat some worthwhile innings.

Givens also has experience in the AL East having played with the Orioles from 2015-2020. Care to see his career splits against the two teams ahead of the Yankees in the division right now?

• vs Red Sox: 2.41 ERA and 47 strikeouts in 37 innings
• vs Rays: 1.88 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 43 innings

Just sayin’, that could’ve been smart.