Yankees, Cardinals Reportedly Linked In Potential Deadline Blockbuster Deal

New York reportedly could make a major splash involving the Cardinals

The New York Yankees need to shake things up and there could be some major moves on the horizon. 

New York currently is in last place in the American League East with a disappointing 50-47 record, but it still has the talent to turn things around. The Yankees entered the 2023 campaign was title favorites and although they have struggled lately, could still make some noise in the postseason if the club gets healthy and they make a few moves.

One team that reportedly could be linked to the Yankees in a potential deadline blockbuster deal is the St. Louis Cardinals, according to The Athletic's Jim Bowden. 

"The Yankees’ goal for the trade deadline is to land a starting pitcher and a two-way left fielder, and one swoop transaction with the Cardinals could address both needs," Bowden said. "(Jack Flaherty) has endured many injuries early in his career but has been able to post all season, making 18 starts and going 7-5 with a 4.29 ERA. Over his past three starts, he has allowed only three earned runs in 18 2/3 innings. Flaherty is an impending free agent and appears to have the type of makeup to handle the pressures of pitching in New York for the Yankees.

"Meanwhile, (Dylan Carlson) has underachieved and it appears the Cardinals are ready to give up on the athletic outfielder, who at 24 still hasn’t entered his prime years and is under team control through 2026. He has reached base at a .344 clip this season and profiles, at the very least, as an average major-league player on both sides of the ball (but also one with future upside), which would be an upgrade for the Yankees."

New York has a need both in the starting rotation and in the outfield and the lowly Cardinals could easily help fix both. Flaherty is set to enter free agency at the end of the season and Carlson seems poised to be factored out of the club's starting lineup due to an outfield log jam. Both Flaherty and Carlson could improve the Yankees from the jump and give the club a chance to fight for a Wild Card spot. 

The Yankees are just three-and-a-half games out of Wild Card spot so anything could happen.