The New York Yankees recently defeated the Philadelphia Phillies 14-4, thanks largely to Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s two home runs. However, despite this victory, the team still requires significant improvements to become serious World Series contenders.
The current pitching staff, led by Gerrit Cole who is struggling with a 5.51 ERA, Nestor Cortes who may be on his way out, and an underperforming Carlos Rodon, is insufficient for a deep playoff run.
To address their pitching woes, the Yankees have engaged in extensive trade discussions with the Detroit Tigers for starter Jack Flaherty. Reports indicate that if the Yankees acquire Flaherty, they plan to trade Nestor Cortes.
Flaherty has been impressive this season with a 2.95 ERA, 133 strikeouts, a WHIP of 0.96, and is averaging over 11 strikeouts per nine innings, which would undoubtedly strengthen the Yankees’ rotation.
Despite Flaherty’s potential impact, he alone cannot resolve the Yankees’ pitching deficiencies. The team has underperformed for the past month and a half, and improvements from Cole, Cortes, Rodon, and Marcus Stroman are necessary for a substantial turnaround. Cole, in particular, needs to overcome his current struggles with injury and command to regain his Cy Young form.
Offensively, the Yankees have relied heavily on Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, with other hitters like Anthony Volpe and Jazz Chisholm Jr. struggling to consistently produce. Chisholm, who showed promise in the recent game against the Phillies, must maintain his performance to provide a consistent offensive boost. Currently, he is hitting .249 with 13 home runs and 50 RBIs.
For the Yankees to solidify their playoff and World Series aspirations, they need more than just Flaherty. The team requires an additional bat, another starter, and a reliever to strengthen a roster that has been mediocre on paper and in performance. If not for Judge, Soto, and Luis Gil’s contributions, the Yankees’ season could be much worse.
