Breaking: Athletics Starter Closing In On Proposed Move To Join Yankees

Before the 2024 MLB trade deadline, the New York Yankees can bolster their already strong pitching staff; one pitcher has been connected to the organization in search of further depth.

Before the July 30 deadline, Adam Weinrib of Yanks Go Yard said that the Yankees could target Oakland Athletics pitcher Paul Blackburn as a potential starting option (via Patrick McAvoy of Fan Nation’s Inside the Pinstripes).

Yankees can keep an eye on Athletics RHP Paul Blackburn in the midst of his strong early 2024 campaign

In 2024, Blackburn has already made six starts. His 3.82 FIP is impressive in the little sample size provided, and his 3.34 ERA is the best since his rookie campaign.

The 30-year-old also throws a variety of pitches with a good mix, depending on his four seamer 21.2 percent of the time, cutter 20.4%, changeup 19.3%, slider (17.5%), curveball (11.7%), and sinker (9.9%).

Is there room for Blackburn on the Yankees? Will New York be buyers for pitchers at the deadline?

The 2022 All-Star would be most useful to the Yankees while current AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole is sidelined due to injury. He could enter the lineup straight away. Cole’s return is anticipated to occur closer to the summer at the latest, as he is not likely to play when he is first eligible on May 27.

Blackburn might be another reliable veteran arm the team uses in place of Cole if the Yankees are active in the trade market before the deadline. He would also be a good backup choice towards the end of the lineup.

The five players in the Yankees’ rotation have all started the season strong. They have a 19-10 record so far, led by Carlos Rodon, with Nestor Cortes, Marcus Stroman, Clark Schmidt, and young sensation Luis Gil contributing to the team’s success. It is unclear if New York will try to bench one of their starters and trade one or more hitters for another starter, but if they do, they should keep an eye on Blackburn.