One of the Yankees biggest needs at this seasons trade deadline is pitching — both a starter and multiple relievers. I went through the options that make the most sense for the Yankees, both who profiles the best and who insiders have connected the Yankees to in recent weeks.

Seth Lugo has quietly become one of the most consistent and underrated starters in baseball. With a durable arm, deep pitch mix, and strong command, Lugo would give the Yankees a steady middle-of-the-rotation presence—something they’ve lacked due to recent injuries and inconsistency. He’s a postseason-tested veteran with AL experience, and his ability to limit walks makes him ideal for Yankee Stadium. If Kansas City sells, Lugo is exactly the kind of arm New York should pounce on.

Mitch Keller represents a more aggressive swing at the deadline—a controllable arm with ace upside. He’s shown flashes of dominance with an improving strikeout rate and a sinker that plays well in high-leverage situations. Keller is also under team control beyond 2025, making him a perfect long-term piece for a Yankees rotation that could look very different in 2026. If Pittsburgh listens, New York should be all over it.

Dylan Cease remains one of the most intriguing names on the market. While his 2025 season has been rocky at times, the upside is undeniable—elite stuff, swing-and-miss potential, and experience in big games. The Padres may look to retool, and Cease could fetch them valuable assets. For the Yankees, he’d be a high-ceiling addition who could start Game 1 or be used to leverage another major trade. If they believe in the stuff, Cease is worth the gamble.

Few relievers are as electric—and as consistent—as Ryan Helsley. Armed with a high-90s fastball and sharp breaking ball, Helsley has quietly been one of the most dominant closers in the NL. He’d immediately slide into a late-inning role for the Yankees, bringing stability to a bullpen that’s dealt with its share of volatility. If St. Louis decides to cash in on expiring assets, Helsley would be a huge pickup.

Carlos Estévez has revitalized his career in Kansas City with improved strike-throwing and a bulldog mentality on the mound. He brings big-game experience and a fearlessness the Yankees could use late in games. Estévez profiles as a seventh- or eighth-inning weapon, capable of bridging the gap to the closer. On an expiring deal, he makes perfect sense as a low-cost but high-impact bullpen piece.

Zerpa is a dark-horse name in this conversation. He’s a young lefty who’s shown flashes of dominance out of the pen and could give the Yankees a much-needed left-handed option. He’s controllable, cheap, and just starting to come into his own, which makes him a valuable long-term bullpen piece—especially if New York wants to avoid renting relief help. If the Royals are open to moving young arms, Zerpa should be on the radar.

David Bednar is built for October—intensity, power stuff, and a fearless mentality on the mound. He’s struggled at times in 2025, but his track record speaks for itself, and a change of scenery could unlock the dominant version we’ve seen before. The Yankees need dependable arms who won’t shrink in the spotlight, and Bednar fits that mold. If the price is right, he’d be a perfect complement to the backend of the Yankees bullpen now with Williams and Weaver.(Plus, I love his nickname/walk-out song)

Finnegan is the type of high-leverage reliever that doesn’t get enough national attention. He’s been excellent this season for the Nats and features one of the nastiest splitters in the league. With Minnesota potentially shifting into seller mode, Finnegan becomes a prime target for a Yankees team that has seen too many leads disappear late. His experience and effectiveness under pressure make him a great bullpen addition.

Jhoan Duran is the prize of the relief market. With 103-mph fastballs and wipeout offspeed stuff, he brings a level of dominance few others can match. If the Twins are willing to listen—and reports say they are—Duran could be a franchise-altering acquisition for the Yankees. He’s under control, has elite stuff, and would give New York a postseason weapon unlike anything they currently have in the bullpen.

I outlined all these options with some more info on my podcast today. Check it out below:

(Top Image Credit: Sports Insider)