The New York Yankees continue to build on a strong lead in the American League East division, but the injury bug just won’t leave them alone.
After losing franchise ace Gerrit Cole for the season and marching on without Luis Gil or Giancarlo Stanton able to make their debuts so far, the Yankees have now lost their most trusted bullpen arm as Luke Weaver heads to the injured list with a hamstring ailment.
The team is expected to move forward with Devin Williams back in the primary closer role, but the injury raises new urgency around a trade for a bonafide shutdown reliever.
“While the bullpen has a combined ERA of 3.70, good for 13th in the majors, the front office could seek external help to navigate this period sans Weaver,” Sam Bernardi wrote for Heavy. “If they choose that route, Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals should be atop their wishlist.”
After signing a one-year, $6 million deal to rejoin the Nationals following his All-Star campaign last year, Finnegan has been one of the best closers in the sport. He has a 2.49 ERA with 19 strikeouts and 17 saves in 19 games finished so far.
But with a losing record and a third-place standing in the National League East division, the Nationals could be looking to sell a rental piece like Finnegan in the near future. And Bernardi offered a two-player package that might be enough to bring him to the Bronx, suggesting the Yankees send infielder Jorbit Vivas and right-hander Clayton Beeter in return.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
“This price is a tad steep for a guy in Finnegan on a one-year, albeit $6 million deal,” Bernardi added. “However, he has sneakily emerged as one of the most dominant and trustworthy relievers in baseball since his 2020 debut.”
The Yankees attempted to trade for a bonafide closer in Williams, but the returns have been shaky so far. If it loses confidence that he can fill in for Weaver, the front office might be seeking a trade addition like Finnegan in the near future.
More MLB: Braves trade idea brings Marcell Ozuna to Phillies after injury setback