Yankees Rumors: ESPN tabs 2 trade candidates for Brian Cashman to dangle at deadline

Although the New York Yankees have gotten off to a good start in 2025, it's already obvious what they'll need at this year's trade deadline. Another starting pitcher? Yup. Some bullpen help? Yes please. Perhaps a third baseman? We wouldn't be opposed.

But the million dollar question has been: "What does this team have to trade?" As things currently stand, they can't really trade off the major league roster; it just wouldn't make sense. That could change as they get some reinforcements throughout the year, though.

The Yankees don't have a particularly strong farm system, so it'd be hard to predict a trade featuring prospects in exchange for an impact talent. But they do have one fast-riser and another young option at the big-league level who could change their approach.

Here's what ESPN's David Schoenfield wrote in his latest piece, "Early MLB 2025 trade deadline preview for all 30 teams", as he pegged both Will Warren and Ben Hess as possible trade chips for New York:

"No Gerrit Cole. Luis Gil is slowly on the mend from a lat strain. Carlos Carrasco and Marcus Stroman aren't exactly getting the job done. The Yankees did just get Clarke Schmidt back, but they could certainly use a rotation upgrade. It's hard to envision them trading top prospect George Lombard Jr., plus Spencer Jones' stock has fallen, so let's list a couple of pitchers here. Warren has had some big league time and would give the Marlins an MLB-ready starter. Hess was the Yankees' first-round pick last year and perhaps has more upside but is further away from the majors."

Could Yankees trade Will Warren, Ben Hess for 2025 trade deadline upgrade?

Warren has been far from spectacular, but he clearly possesses upside. He's made five starts this year and managed to keep the Diamondbacks, Giants and Guardians in check with five-inning, two-run performances. His 3.70 FIP next to his 4.79 ERA suggests we could be in store for a bit of a turnaround, too, especially as his velocity has ticked up in recent outings. The 25-year-old isn't a headliner in a blockbuster deal, but a team in need of young pitching would certainly ask about him in discussions with the Yankees.

As for Hess, the 2024 first-round pick out of Alabama has been wildly impressive since making his pro debut at High-A Hudson Valley this year. Although walks have been a bit of a problem for the right-hander, he's struck out 22 batters in 13 1/3 innings and has allowed just nine hits and one homer. For some perspective, Hess has risen to the organization's No. 3 prospect, right in front of Warren, who is No. 4.

The problem with both of these guys being trade candidates is that the Yankees' pitching is thin. New York has no pitching prospects close to making their MLB debuts and will be banking on injured players such as Clayton Beeter, Scott Effross, JT Brubaker, Jonathan Loaisiga, Jake Cousins, Luis Gil and Marcus Stroman to make successful returns.

Then again, if the Yankees package Warren and Hess with a position player to acquire an impact starter, we're sure fans wouldn't be opposed to that. It just depends if other teams value their farm system to a certain degree to make such a deal.