Reports have indicated that the New York Yankees are interested in a few players on the Arizona Diamondbacks. That includes right-hander Merrill Kelly, who many believe could be one of the top pitchers dealt at the deadline.
The Diamondbacks are in that strange position where they could look to sell, but might even be talented enough to put together a decent stretch in the second half and sneak into the postseason. Unfortunately, because of all the injuries Arizona has dealt with to its starting rotation, it’ll likely go a different direction.
That could be good news for the San Diego Padres, but it’s essential to consider the Yankees’ aspect in this situation.
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The Padres don’t have the best farm system, but neither do the Yankees. Despite that, The Athletic noted that both teams could be interested in Kelly at the deadline, naming them potential trade fits for his services.
“On a staff that’s lost Corbin Burnes and can’t find the proper versions of Zac Gallen and Eduardo Rodriguez, it’s Kelly that’s been the standout. He’s got a deep six-pitch mix and command, and is producing numbers that don’t look out of place given his upper-threes career ERA, but he doesn’t quite have the stuff and strikeout numbers of a Game 1 or even a Game 2 October starter. He could be the first to go if the Diamondbacks sell, however, since he’s a free agent at the close of the season,” they wrote.
Depending on what the Yankees would be willing to give up, and the same for the Padres, there’s reason to believe that Kelly could end up in either spot.
However, the Yankees might be a bit more desperate at the moment to try to win a World Series. They understand that if they don’t even come close to winning one, significant changes could be on the horizon.
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