Yankees Reportedly Land White Sox Fireballer In Exciting Last-Second Trade Deadline Deal

New York made an impressive move right at the last second Tuesday

Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees certainly waited a while to make a move. 

The 2023 Major League Baseball Trade Deadline came and passed Tuesday night at 6 p.m. ET and the Yankees reportedly got involved at the last second and acquired right-handed relief pitcher Keynan Middleton from the Chicago White Sox, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. 

"The New York Yankees are acquiring right-handed reliever Keynan Middleton from the Chicago White Sox, sources tell ESPN," Passan said with three minutes to go until the deadline.

Middleton had been in trade rumors over the last month so it isn't too surprising to see him playing elsewhere now. The fireballer makes perfect sense for a Yankees club that was looking for a little bit of relief help. New York had been rumored to be looking for a reliever as well as an extra offensive weapon and although it didn't land more firepower for the lineup, Middleton will be an exciting addition to the bullpen.

The 29-year-old has been impressive for the White Sox this season and has compiled a 3.96 ERA across 39 appearances. Middleton's advanced metrics are even more impressive as he's in the 95th percentile in whiff rate, 90th percentile in chase rate, and 80th percentile in fastball velocity. 

New York currently is just three-and-a-half games out of an American League Wild Card spot and with star slugger Aaron Judge returning to the lineup and the club starting to get healthier realistically could stack up a few wins and gain some ground in the standings. It won't be easy to nab a postseason spot but it sounds like the Yankees are going for it.