Yankees Urged to Offer Spencer Jones in ‘Major Deadline Coup’ Trade Idea for League ERA Leader

Even before the season began, the New York Yankees recognized that a deep playoff run could depend on reinforcement for their pitching staff.

In March, the team negotiated with the Chicago White Sox in hopes of acquiring ace Dylan Cease, who was then the best option on the market. But negotiations broke down over the Yankees’ unwillingness to part with top prospect Spencer Jones, according to USA Today ’s Bob Nightengale. Now the Yankees continue their search for an impact starter with just two weeks to go until the trade deadline.

As their need for pitching seems to grow even more desperate, Jon Heyman of the New York Post is urging the Yankees to finally include the coveted prospect in a trade if it means they can acquire a Cy Young favorite.

“As the deadline approaches, Jones remains the key guy other teams seek in trade. However, the Yankees should keep Jones unless they can somehow pry away one particular All-Star — and that All-Star is very likely to stay where he is,” Heyman wrote. “In what would be a major deadline coup, if the Yankees can land Cy Young favorite Tarik Skubal of the Tigers for a package including Jones, go for it.”

Skubal has suddenly emerged as a potential trade candidate thanks largely to his appeal as a bona fide ace, with an American League-leading 2.41 ERA in 19 starts and two years of club control remaining on his contract. The Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles reportedly are both looking to assemble trade packages to acquire him.

Related: Dodgers Seek Blockbuster Trade ‘Loaded with Top Prospects’ for Cy Young Favorite

If the Yankees hope to compete, Jones would almost certainly have to be included in an offer. And even then, it’s not a sure thing that Tigers president of baseball operations Scott Harris would be open to dealing Skubal.

“Skubal is under contract with the Tigers until 2026, which gives the team considerable leverage in any trade discussions,” William Frost wrote for Tigers Fastball . “Harris views Skubal as a vital part of the Tigers’ future, especially as the team continues to rebuild.”

It seems the Yankees and any other suitors have just a few days left to make the Tigers an offer they can’t refuse to acquire Skubal and answer their rotation questions in an emphatic way. Though he was off the table in negotiations around Cease, Jones might become the central part of such an offer from the Yankees before the end of the month.

Related: Yankees Face Steep Price in Blockbuster Trade for MLB Strikeout Leader