Yankees 'backed out' of trade for top starting pitcher at deadline, per insider

The New York Yankees reportedly "backed out" of a trade agreement for Detroit Tigers starter Jack Flaherty ahead of Tuesday's deadline due to medical concerns.

It seems the Yankees were close to acquiring the resurgent right-hander just before the trade deadline arrived, but instead "backed out of a preliminary trade agreement" due to Flaherty's medical records, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic .

It wasn't reported what the Yankees were going to give up in the deal before backing out.

The Los Angeles Dodgers wound up winning the bid , sending two prospects — including a former top prospect for the Yankees — in the deal for Flaherty.

Rosenthal mentioned that the reviewing of a player's medical history "generally begins only after a trade agreement is in place."

Flaherty's injury history is a red flag. Entering 2024, Flaherty had surpassed 80 innings pitched just once since 2020. He's been dealing with a lower back issue that forced him to miss a start in July.

The Yankees didn't wind up adding a starter at the deadline. Instead, they acquired Jazz Chisholm and a pair of swing-and-miss relievers — Mark Leiter Jr. and Enyel De Los Santos.

Adding to the rotation would have been a nice move for the Yankees, especially with a starter like Flaherty, who has a 2.95 ERA across 18 starts this season.

Only time will tell whether this was the right move for the Yankees, but at least fans have a reason as to why they didn't land Flaherty.

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