The New York Yankees didn’t sign another big-name starting pitcher after acquiring Marcus Stroman in January.
They were linked with Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery when they were available, but their competitive balance tax situation prevented them from adding too much salary.
When Gerrit Cole went down with an injury, they still decided to replace him internally, with Luis Gil.
Now, however, they are making sure they have enough depth around in the second half of the season.
“JT Brubaker has been traded to the Yankees for a PTBNL, per source,” Pirates insider Alex Stumpf tweeted.
JT Brubaker has been traded to the Yankees for a PTBNL, per source
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) March 29, 2024
Brubaker is, at the moment, rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
He is expected to be ready to pitch at some point in the second half, and could represent organizational depth around the deadline.
According to Yankees insider Bryan Hoch, he is targeting a return after the All-Star break.
Brubaker is on the 60-day IL, recovering from Tommy John surgery. He is targeting the All-Star break for his return, per @AlexJStumpf. https://t.co/N3nzlHaMpE
— Bryan Hoch (@BryanHoch) March 29, 2024
In return, the Yankees will send a player to be named later to Pittsburgh.
His identity is not yet public.
Brubaker has a career 4.99 ERA in three seasons.
He made his MLB debut in 2020, and his best season was 2022 when he had a 4.69 ERA in 144 innings.
At worst, he is someone who wouldn’t be hard to remove from the roster if things don’t work out.
At best, he could be a league-average fifth starter; and the Yankees are known to improve Pirates pitchers.
They did it with Clay Holmes not long ago.
It’s a move with the second half in mind for the Yankees, and given there is little to no risk, it should be deemed as positive.
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