Yankees News & Buzz: 5 best trade options for the rotation; GM discusses lineup imbalance, more

The New York Yankees need pitching, and they need it fast. The trade market offers a viable alternative if they strike out on top free agents, and these five names are the best fits should general manager Brian Cashman opts to pursue that route. Meanwhile, the GM talked about his lefty-heavy lineup. Let's dive into the news!

The Yankees are surveying the starting-pitching market with a clear preference for trades over free agency, largely because the available arms don't match Brian Cashman's preferred price points. Tatsuya Imai remains a known target, but beyond him, the front office is more intrigued by controllable or short-term trade options. With projected 2026 output, cost, upside, and injury risk in mind, five pitchers stand out -- though each comes with a different profile and level of risk.

Mitch Keller offers durability and mid-rotation steadiness, but his declining strikeout rate and hefty salary make him an expensive project with limited upside. Edward Cabrera is the complete opposite: electric stuff, breakout potential, and three years of control -- but also a worrisome injury history and a likely massive prospect cost. MacKenzie Gore presents another intriguing path, giving New York a chance to develop a high-strikeout lefty whose pitch mix could be optimized in a stronger pitching environment.

Then there's Sandy Alcantara, a high-ceiling play who finished strong after Tommy John surgery and carries a team-friendly contract structure that minimizes long-term commitment. And topping the list is Freddy Peralta, whose elite strikeout production and bargain salary put him in rare territory -- a true impact arm who fits both the Yankees' need and their budget.

Across the board, each pitcher represents a different version of the same question: will the Yankees prioritize stability, upside, or value as they look to reinforce the rotation behind Max Fried and eventually Gerrit Cole?

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Brian Cashman's recent comments about the Yankees' left-heavy