The New York Yankees have had a strong start to the season, boasting a league-leading 10-3 record, but they’ve already faced significant injuries that may impact their performance later on.
Their star pitcher, Gerrit Cole, is starting the season on the injured list due to elbow issues, while DJ LeMahieu, the anticipated leadoff hitter, has yet to play because of a foot injury. Additionally, reliever Jonathan Loáisiga suffered a season-ending injury just a few games in.
Due to Loáisiga’s absence, Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report suggested that the Yankees may need to make a move at the trade deadline, considering Boston Red Sox closer Kenley Jansen as a potential option.
Rymer noted, “The Yankees’ bullpen has been strong so far with a 2.40 ERA, contributing to five one-run wins. However, they will be without Jonathan Loáisiga for the rest of the year, which is problematic.”
Despite the Yankees’ success early on, they may still seek a high-quality reliever like Jansen.
“The bullpen is striking out batters at just 15.3%, the lowest rate in MLB. Ideally, Loáisiga’s replacement would be someone with a strong ability to miss bats,” Rymer added.
Before his injury, Loáisiga had pitched four innings for the Yankees this season, allowing seven hits and striking out three batters without giving up any earned runs. The team had hoped he would play a key role throughout the season.
Bryan Hoch reported for MLB.com, “The Yankees had ambitious plans for Jonathan Loáisiga this season, seeing him as a versatile reliever who could handle multiple innings until the All-Star break and then take on late-inning roles.”
Kenley Jansen could be a strong trade target for the Yankees. Along with Jansen, Rymer mentioned other potential trade options like Tanner Scott, Chris Martin, Carlos Estévez, Adam Ottavino, and Michael Kopech.
Jansen, a four-time All-Star, is the active MLB leader in games finished and saves. Even in his 15th season, he continues to excel, recording three saves and seven strikeouts without allowing a hit in his first five games for the Red Sox this season.
He is in the final season of a two-year, $32 million contract with Boston, and if the team doesn’t believe they’ll make a significant playoff run, they may consider trading him before he becomes a free agent.
Jon Heyman reported for the New York Post, “Jansen might be a potential trade piece in July as he expected to play for a contender in Boston.”
If the Yankees pursue Jansen, they may face competition from other teams. Rymer has previously suggested a possible trade reunion for Jansen with his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.