Checking in on 3 pitchers Yankees traded away in 2022: Who's heating up?

JP Sears, LHP, Oakland A's

Sears was the furthest along on his big-league journey when the Yankees dealt him away, but likely possessed the lowest upside (and, probably, the highest floor) of this trio of arms.

Last summer, Sears spent time with the Yankees when the team-wide vibes were at their highest, and fit right in, posting a 2.05 ERA and three wins in seven outings (two starts) with the Bombers.

After heading to Oakland, the Yankees and Aaron Judge victimized him with a three-run homer (and a loss) on Aug. 26, but his 2022 season still managed to wrap up with solid numbers (3.86 ERA, 67 hits in 70 innings, only 51 Ks).

2023? More of the same. Rock solid. You know what you're getting. In 15.2 innings, Sears has allowed 15 hits and 12 strikeouts. He's allowed three, three, and two earned runs in his three starts, each of which have increased in length, culminating with a six-inning outing against the powerful Mets.

On the flip side? He's already surrendered five homers. If batters continue to go boom against Sears, he might bust, but ... as of now, he seems like a still-appealing mixed bag. At the very least, he's consistent.