DEAL AGREED: Yankees In ‘Extensive’ Trade Talks for Projected $72 Million Star-After Hijacking Deal From Houston Astros

Undoubtedly, if the Yankees make a play for another pitcher before the MLB trade deadline, something will have to give. And it appears that a move for Tigers starting Jack Flaherty is in the works, with current Yankees trade chip/starter Nestor Cortes potentially on his way out if a deal is reached.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are close to making a deal for Flaherty, an impending free agent who signed a one-year, $14 million contract with Detroit in the winter but is now on the market as the Tigers struggle this season.

Tigers scratch Jack Flaherty from scheduled start on eve of deadline -  mlive.com
Flaherty was supposed to start against Cleveland on Monday night, but was sidelined in favour of Beau Brieske, fueling suspicion that he was ready to be dealt.

Nightengale posted on Twitter/X: “The New York Yankees are in extensive trade talks for Tigers starter Jack Flaherty, and plan to trade starter Nestor Cortes if they land Flaherty.”

Jack Flaherty Would Likely Be A Rental Acquisition.
Flaherty is a rental, which usually reduces the asking price of a player. But, with the Orioles and others remaining as potential trade partners for Flaherty, the Tigers can spark a bidding war that might drive the price to an unexpected high.

Flaherty would be worth it. There aren’t many No. 2-3 starters on the market at the trade deadline, and he’s undoubtedly one of them. Flaherty is 7-5 on the season, with a WHIP of 0.965, an ERA of 2.95, and 133 strikeouts in 106.2 innings.

MLB trade deadline 2024: Astros showing interest in Jack Flaherty? -  mlive.com

Flaherty’s health has always been a major worry, since he made only 35 starts in three seasons with the Cardinals, from the Covid-19-shortened 2020 season to 2022. He returned healthy in 2023, but he was not particularly effective. Flaherty was 8-9 in 27 appearances with the Cardinals and Baltimore (he was acquired to the Orioles at the deadline), with an ERA of 4.99.

He struggled after being dealt to the Orioles and was removed from the rotation. Last year, Flaherty had only one relief appearance in the playoffs, surrendering three walks and a run across 2.0 innings.

Flaherty’s playoff record (1-3, 3.60 ERA) is shaky enough to raise concerns about a Yankees trade, but given the available options, a good move for Flaherty seems logical.

Nestor Cortes Could Leave the Yankees After Trade
The Yankees could also keep Flaherty beyond this season if they so desire. Trading for Flaherty might offer them an advantage in signing him in the offseason, as he will be looking for his first big-time contract after missing out on previous opportunities due to injury or, as was the case last year, ineffectiveness.

Nestor Cortes' magic at Yankee Stadium runs out in ugly outing

According to Bleacher Report, he is expected to earn a four-year contract worth $72 million.

If Flaherty is acquired through a trade with the Yankees, Cortes (4-9, 4.13 ERA) should be released. He’s pitched above his head for much of the year, but in his previous three starts, the Yankees have lost all three, with Cortes posting a 10.13 ERA and allowing opponents a.400 batting average across 13.1 innings.

Cortes addressed reporters on Monday and downplayed the trade rumours. He made it plain that he did not want to be traded.

“I’m almost confident that the Yankees want me enough to stay here,” Cortes told The Athletic. “I understand; it’s just that they need to improve in other areas. Aside than that, I’m simply taking it day by day, hour by hour, and minute by minute.

“Of course, I want to stay. It is a winning team. It’s a franchise that drafted me and has given me numerous opportunities. I’ve done a lot of good and some bad things, but I’m still fighting and trying to work my way up to become a proven starter and winning for this team.”

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