Yankees Could Be ‘In Mix’ for A’s Star as They Face Pending Roster Losses

The New York Yankees have a long shopping list as they head toward the trade deadline and that includes some reinforcement for the bullpen.

Following a slew of injuries and shaky performances, the team has little choice but to add at least one relief arm in the near future.

“This has become an extremely vulnerable area,” according to NorthJersey.com’s Pete Caldera. “Key setup relievers Fernando Cruz and Mark Leiter Jr. are on the injured list, Luke Weaver has been spotty since coming off the IL and Jonathan Loaisiga remains a talented, injury-prone enigma.”

As a result, the Yankees are among the teams hoping that the A’s have a change of heart on one of the most coveted young stars in all of baseball, as The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal reported that closer Mason Miller could soon be placed on the trade block.

“A year ago, Athletics closer Mason Miller was untouchable,” Rosenthal wrote. “But according to sources briefed on the team’s plans, that stance is subject to change.”

Virtually every contender would be interested in acquiring Miller. But along with the Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers, Rosenthal singled out a fit with the Yankees as their primary closing options in Weaver and Devin Williams could join new teams this coming winter.

“The Los Angeles Dodgers, with free agents Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates performing below expectations, almost certainly would be in the mix,” Rosenthal added. “So would the New York Yankees, who face the losses of Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to free agency.”

If the Yankees opt for a multi-year solution to their bullpen problem, Miller could make sense. He has four years of arbitration eligibility ahead and he emerged as one of the most coveted young pitchers in a breakout All-Star campaign last year.

However, the A’s would surely command a significant haul for Miller if he is on the move. And with a long shopping list of trade needs, the Yankees might not be able to put all of their eggs in one basket.

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