The New York Yankees’ starting rotation could be a focus in the coming days. One trade target is no longer available after Seth Lugo signed an extension with the Kansas City Royals.
Lugo signed a two-year extension with the Royals, taking him off the trade block. He had an All-Star season last year and was the American League Cy Young Award runner-up. He was a candidate to opt out of his previous contract, making him a trade chip. Now that he is unavailable, the Yankees will have to start thinking about other options.
Lugo would have been a great fit for the Yankees and would have given them a trio at the top of their rotation capable of carrying their team. FanSided’s Joseph Kallan suggested the Yankees pivot to Zach Eflin of the Baltimore Orioles.
“Despite posting a 5.78 ERA in 2025, Eflin’s underlying metrics suggest there’s room for optimism,” wrote Kallan. “He ranks in the 81st percentile for chase rate and is in the top 3% of the league in walk rate. He won’t overpower hitters, but he can eat innings and limit self-inflicted damage — two traits the Yankees badly need right now.”
The Yankees lost Gerrit Cole before the season even started. Luis Gil is working his way back, but the team has also lost Clarke Schmidt. The team needs help in the rotation, and Eflin could provide that for cheap.
Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp
Ryan Yarbrough had a 3.83 ERA as a starter before his injury. Outside of one eight-run outing, he allowed no more than two earned runs in any start. If he and Gil return, the Yankees group of Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Gil and Yarbrough is solid. However, Eflin may be a reliable arm while they get healthy.
More MLB: Yankees predicted to part ways with ‘popular’ rookie at trade deadline
