Yankees have one last chance to counter Dodgers with blockbuster Rangers trade

The Dodgers blew up the trade deadline with a late-night Tarik Skubal deal on Satruday. The Yankees followed it up with a shrewd trade for Luis García Jr. of the Washington Nationals, but it's hard to see that being a true difference maker to the degree that's necessary.

New York is still reportedly hot after Adley Rutschman in talks with the Orioles ... but the Red Sox might swoop in there. That would be awesome. But what about something bigger? What about a semblance of counteracting what Los Angeles did?

The Yankees probably can't go pound-for-pound in matching the Dodgers' roster excellence, but they can get somewhat close. Calling the Texas Rangers would be Brian Cashman's first order of business.

The Rangers just got their clock cleaned over the weekend by the Astros, who now lead the AL West by 2.5 games. Houston seems to have hit their stride as they take control in August. Rumors have suggested Texas is looking to move pitchers Mackenzie Gore and Jacob Latz, as well as outfielder Wyatt Langford. But is there more for sale?

How about Jacob deGrom? The Yankees could theoretically ask about deGrom and have him packaged with Latz. That would help the Rangers become more financially flexible through 2027 and could get them enough prospects/MLB-ready talent to help turn things around.

Possible Yankees blockbuster with Rangers could net them Jacob deGrom

deGrom is owed around ~$12 million for the rest of this season and another $37 million in 2027, with a $37 million mutual option for 2028. Acquiring deGrom can partially offset the Dodgers getting Skubal and would put that super rotation on par with New York's. Worried about the 2027 money? If there's a lockout, it won't matter. If there isn't, the Yankees have one less thing to shop for during a hectic offseason.

Latz is the one who represents a bit of an uphill battle, but part of the appeal here for the Rangers is freeing themselves of deGrom's money. Latz made his first All-Star team in 2026 and is controllable through 2030. On the flip side, he's already 30 years old and the Rangers just acquired reliever Chase Silseth from the Angels, who has the same amount of team control.

Maybe the Yankees can satisfy the deal with one of their controllable starters (Will Warren/Ryan Weathers) and throw in a couple prospects? Doesn't seem out of the question if the Rangers have drastically pivoted from buyers to sellers after realizing they might not have enough juice to take down the Astros in 2026.

Gotta do something, Cashman. We have less than six hours remaining.

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