As long as Aaron Judge continues to play at an elite level, the New York Yankees are going to be buyers at the trade deadline.
The 33-year-old team captain is once again playing at an MVP-caliber pace—positioned to win what could be his third (arguably fourth) MVP award. While he remains firmly in his prime, time isn’t unlimited, and the Yankees must make the most of his historic production while they can.
The team’s most pressing concern is the starting rotation. With Gerrit Cole not expected back until 2026 and Luis Gil still out for an extended stretch, questions surround whether the current rotation depth can sustain a serious postseason run. The back end of the staff has been especially inconsistent.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter recently addressed the situation, noting:
“The Yankees rank 11th in the majors with a 3.73 ERA from the starting rotation, which is better than expected after Gerrit Cole and Luis Gil were both sidelined before Opening Day. However, Max Fried (9 GS, 1.11 ERA, 0.94 WHIP, 56.2 IP) and Carlos Rodón (9 GS, 3.29 ERA, 0.97 WHIP, 54.2 IP) have done a lot of the heavy lifting. Finding at least one more starter figures to be atop the deadline shopping list.”
If the Yankees hope to contend deep into October, bolstering the rotation is essential—not only to back up Judge’s efforts but to solidify their chances of capturing another American League pennant.
The Trade Idea
The Philadelphia Phillies would be a natural partner if the New York Yankees seek pitching help at the trade deadline. Here’s a proposed deal that could benefit both teams:
Yankees get: Left-handed pitcher Ranger Suárez
Phillies get: Outfielder Everson Pereira (No. 12 prospect) and right-handed pitcher Mark Leiter Jr.
For the Phillies, Suárez is a somewhat dispensable part of their rotation, which already includes Zack Wheeler (2.95 ERA, 3.02 FIP), Jesús Luzardo (2.00 ERA, 2.36 FIP), Aaron Nola (6.16 ERA, 5.04 FIP — poor numbers but still a valuable pitcher), Christopher Sánchez (2.91 ERA, 3.66 FIP), Taijuan Walker (2.62 ERA, 3.45 FIP), and their top prospect Andrew Painter.
Although Suárez has missed time this year due to lower back soreness and hasn’t been at his best when on the mound, he remains a reliable starter who would fit well alongside Yankees’ pitchers like Max Fried, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Nestor Cortés. Will Warren, who has been unexpectedly effective this season, could cover long relief or act as a sixth starter.
Despite Suárez’s 5.91 ERA over 10 2/3 innings in 2025, his underlying 1.89 FIP and strong postseason performance (career 1.43 ERA, 2.79 FIP across 37 2/3 innings) make him an appealing addition for New York.
Win-Win for Both Teams
Mark Leiter Jr. (3.31 ERA, 1.94 FIP) is an undervalued but tradable bullpen option, especially with right-handers Jonathan Loáisiga and Scott Effross expected to return soon. The Phillies are in urgent need of bullpen help and would be wise to accept Leiter Jr.’s addition.
Meanwhile, Everson Pereira is excelling at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hitting .289 with a .948 OPS and 8 home runs in just 90 at-bats. He would provide a much-needed injection of youth into the Phillies’ organization, which currently has an aging core. Although the Phillies are focused on winning now, they should also balance immediate goals with future depth.
Suárez has one year left on his contract, which poses some risk for the Yankees. However, with a relatively weak American League in 2025, New York should prioritize the upcoming season. Similar to 2024, the Yankees have a clear path to the World Series, and Suárez could be the key piece that helps them get there.