MLB Insider: Yankees Could Make 'Major Bid' For José Berríos

The New York Yankees could try to acquire Minnesota Twins SP Jose Berrios ahead of the MLB Trade Deadline. Berrios would flank ace Gerrit Cole in the rotation

Max Goodman | Jul 5, 2021

Will the Yankees pursue a top starting pitcher at the MLB Trade Deadline?

It certainly couldn't hurt to add another dominant hurler to the top of the rotation, flanking ace Gerrit Cole in pursuit of a lengthy postseason run.

Of course there are several factors, and financial implications, that could impact the possibility of a trade of this magnitude. Regardless, one MLB insider envisions New York targeting an ace-caliber starter, making a serious run at Minnesota Twins right-hander José Berríos.

"I could see the Yankees making a major bid for Berríos," said Jon Morosi of MLB Network in a recent piece over on MLB.com.

This isn't the first time an insider has mentioned Berríos in the same sentence as the Yankees. Mark Feinsand of MLB.com pegged the Yankees as a "potential fit" for the Bombers if the Twins end up deciding to sell at the Deadline.

In fact, we've even seen center fielder Byron Buxton's name pop up in some rumors surrounding a possible fire sale in Minnesota.

Could the Yankees Trade For Byron Buxton?

Anyway, back to Berríos. The starting pitcher has posted a 3.52 ERA over 16 starts in a Twins uniform this season, racking up 96 strikeouts over 94.2 innings. Berríos is a two-time All-Star, winning 14 games twice over his six-year career. There's no question the right-hander has the stuff to be one of the most dominant hurlers in the game, it's just a matter of staying healthy and continuing to grow.

At just 27 years old, Berríos has a very bright future in this league.

That in mind, if Minnesota ends up saying goodbye to some key contributors before July 30—and they should—Berríos would net them quite a bit of talent in return. It would take a haul for New York to even be in the conversation to acquire a stud like that, but if he's available, it's hard not to give it a shot.

After splitting a doubleheader on Sunday against the Mets, the Yankees sit 9.5 games out of first place in the American League East. There's a chance New York could be a seller at the Deadline instead, but as long as they're in striking distance, a player like Berríos would be an incredible addition (if the price is right).

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Published Jul 5, 2021

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Yankees for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. Goodman has been on the Yankees beat for three seasons. He is also the publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Jets site, Jets Country. Before starting Inside The Pinstripes, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. At school, Goodman was an anchor and reporter with NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. While at Northwestern, Goodman interned with MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman. You can connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.