The New York Yankees have defied expectations this season, overcoming significant hurdles in their pitching rotation to emerge as serious World Series contenders. With ace Gerrit Cole sidelined for the year and Luis Gil out for months before Opening Day, the Yankees faced a daunting challenge. However, stellar performances from Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Will Warren, and Ryan Yarbrough have transformed the rotation into a deep and formidable unit, exceeding all preseason predictions.
Despite this success, the Yankees know that a championship run demands an even stronger pitching staff. As FanSided’s Adam Weinrib noted, “Rodón and Fried could really use a right-handed co-ace, and that’s what the trade deadline is for.” The ideal candidate? None other than Nathan Eovaldi, a former Yankee who has been dominating with the Texas Rangers. Eovaldi, who pitched for New York in 2015, 2016, and 2018, signed a three-year, $75 million contract with the Rangers this past offseason. His 2025 performance—boasting a 1.60 ERA and a league-leading 0.787 WHIP over 11 starts—has made him a prime target for a Yankees reunion.
Acquiring Eovaldi, however, won’t be straightforward. The Rangers, currently third in the AL West, may not be sellers at the trade deadline, depending on their playoff prospects. Additionally, Texas boasts significant pitching depth in their farm system, which could complicate negotiations. Weinrib suggests that a trade package centered around three prospects, including outfielder Spencer Jones, Everson Pereira, and a left-handed pitcher, might be enough to entice the Rangers. Jones, once considered untouchable, is now viewed as a more expendable asset, making such a deal feasible.
Eovaldi’s contract, with $25 million owed annually for the next two years, represents a significant financial commitment. However, the Yankees could alleviate some of the Rangers’ payroll burden while bolstering their rotation with a proven postseason performer. If New York can pull off this blockbuster trade, adding one of baseball’s most effective pitchers could propel them toward another World Series title.