The New York Yankees wrapped up Memorial Day with the second-best record in the American League and a strong six-game lead in the AL East. Despite their success in the standings, the team’s biggest issue has been the starting rotation. Just before the season began, ace Gerrit Cole was sidelined with a season-ending Tommy John surgery. They also lost last season’s Rookie of the Year, Luis Gil, who’s out until at least mid-summer due to a lat injury.
So far, the rotation has been anchored by Max Fried—an offseason acquisition who’s been among MLB’s top pitchers this year—and Carlos Rodon. Beyond those two, the rotation has struggled. Will Warren holds a 4.09 ERA over 50.2 innings in 11 starts, Clarke Schmidt has a 4.58 ERA over 37.1 innings in seven starts, and Marcus Stroman posted an 11.57 ERA in three starts before landing on the injured list.
Given these concerns, MLB Network analyst and former GM Dan O’Dowd proposed three trade scenarios, one of which involves the Yankees acquiring ace Framber Valdez from division rival Houston Astros. “These two teams rarely, if ever, trade with each other,” O’Dowd noted. “But Valdez would be a great fit—he throws strikes, has a strong sinker, and would round out a lefty-heavy rotation alongside Fried and Rodon. I believe the Yankees really need another top starter.”
Valdez is having another solid season, posting a 3.39 ERA over 69 innings in 11 starts. Last year, he went 15–7 with a 2.91 ERA over 176.1 innings. Over his eight-year career, he’s maintained a 3.31 ERA, been a two-time All-Star, and received Cy Young votes in four seasons. While Valdez would be an ideal addition to the Yankees’ rotation, O’Dowd admitted a trade is unlikely given the longstanding rivalry between the two clubs and the possibility of meeting in the postseason.
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