The New York Yankees are no strangers to making blockbuster moves, and the MLB trade market is buzzing with whispers of their latest target: Los Angeles Angels’ dynamic left-handed pitcher Reid Detmers. With the Yankees’ bullpen in need of a spark, the Pinstripes are reportedly eyeing the former top draft pick to bolster their relief corps, according to ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan, who ranked Detmers No. 27 on their list of top 50 MLB trade candidates.
Detmers, the No. 10 overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, has transitioned from starter to reliever this season with promising results. The 26-year-old southpaw has seen his velocity surge by 1.5 mph in his new role, drawing comparisons to successful college lefties like A.J. Puk, Andrew Miller, and Drew Pomeranz. Despite a 4.64 ERA across 33 innings in 30 appearances and a 1.48 WHIP, Detmers’ three years of team control and untapped potential make him a tantalizing asset. Some teams still view him as a starter, but his recent success in the bullpen suggests he could thrive as a high-leverage reliever for a contender like New York.
The Yankees’ bullpen has been a mixed bag this season. With Devin Williams struggling to regain his All-Star form, Tim Hill showing signs of age, and Luke Weaver just returning from injury, New York is desperate for reliable arms to lock down late innings. Detmers, with his live arm and versatility, could be the perfect fit to fortify their relief unit as they chase a World Series title.
However, prying Detmers from the Angels is no easy feat. McDaniel and Passan estimate just a 15 percent chance that Los Angeles would part with their prized pitcher, despite the potential for a massive trade return. The Angels, perennial underachievers, may be reluctant to trade a player with Detmers’ upside, especially with three years of club control remaining. Still, the Yankees have never shied away from splashing cash or prospects to land their targets. Fresh off signing left-handed ace Max Fried to a mammoth eight-year, $218 million deal in the offseason, New York’s front office is signaling they’re all-in for 2025.
If the Angels can be swayed, the Yankees are poised to pounce. Detmers’ combination of youth, pedigree, and raw stuff could make him a cornerstone of their bullpen—or even a future starter—pushing New York closer to their ultimate goal: a 28th championship. As the trade deadline looms, the baseball world is watching closely to see if the Yankees can pull off another headline-stealing deal. Will Detmers don the iconic pinstripes? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: New York is ready to shake up the MLB landscape once again.