The New York Yankees might be cooking up a surprise move to fix their shaky pitching rotation, and it involves a name you probably didn’t expect.
According to Kerry Miller, the Bronx Bombers are exploring a trade proposal that would send pitching prospect Cam Schlittler to the Mets in exchange for Paul Blackburn, a 31-year-old right-hander with a 4.85 career ERA.
Blackburn just tossed a gem in Triple-A during his rehab stint, seven scoreless innings and six strikeouts, and the Yankees clearly like what they see. With injuries stacking up and October baseball in mind, New York’s front office knows they can’t stand pat.
“Perhaps a spot for a rare New York-New York trade, as Paul Blackburn wouldn’t be a bad option for a No. 5 starter in the Bronx? They’ve only made one actual trade in the past two decades, though,” Miller wrote in Bleacher Report.
How Could The Cam Schlittler-Paul Blackburn Trade Be A Win-Win Situation?
Blackburn isn’t an ace, but he has been solid enough to hold down a spot in the rotation. The Yankees are 30-19 and leading the AL East, but the pitching depth is paper-thin. Adding Blackburn would give Aaron Boone a reliable arm who can chew innings while others heal up.
Meanwhile, Cam Schlittler is no throwaway. The 6’6″ righty has been dealing in the minors, with 198 strikeouts in 158.1 innings and a 3.24 ERA since the start of last season. For a Mets team eyeing long-term rotation help, that’s a pretty sweet return.
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Sure, trading with the crosstown rival isn’t ideal. But if both sides get what they need? It’s business.
As the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees’ front office will need to weigh the immediate benefits of acquiring Blackburn against the potential long-term value of retaining Schlittler.
Also Read: Yankees Set Their Eyes On Top Prospect For Potential Third Baseman
