The New York Yankees have positioned themselves as the primary contenders to acquire Los Angeles Dodgers right-handed pitcher Dustin May ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, according to insider Pat Ragazzo. This potential move could significantly alter team dynamics as both clubs prepare for the remainder of the season.
Potential Trade Shifts After Recent World Series
Rumors of the Dodgers trading May surfaced earlier this month, as Los Angeles seeks to bolster its outfield options before the deadline. A deal involving the Yankees, however, would surprise many baseball followers given the recent World Series results, where the two teams faced off fiercely. The prospect of May joining New York has become a major talking point among analysts and fans alike.
May’s Value to Yankees’ Pitching Staff
Dustin May offers the Yankees much-needed pitching depth, which is crucial as the team maintains one of the strongest starting rotations in Major League Baseball. The Yankees currently hold the third-most wins and share third-fewest losses among starting pitchers alongside the Dodgers. Their combined 4.00 ERA remains close to the league average, emphasizing the importance of reinforcing their pitching corps as the postseason approaches. May’s ability to throw a four-seam fastball that opponents hit just .111 against makes him a compelling asset for New York.
Expert Insight on the Trade Possibility
MLB insider Robert Murray highlighted the logical fit of May joining the Yankees. He explained,
“He makes plenty of sense for the Yankees and plenty of other teams as well. You look at the Yankees, they need pitching in the worst way imaginable. He’s a rental option so you’ve got to temper the expectations as far as return but if he can get the Dodgers maybe an outfielder in return, that would make plenty of sense for LA. But I don’t think it’s a guarantee he’s traded by any means, but a change of scenery could be very good for both sides.”
—Robert Murray, MLB Insider
This assessment underscores the potential benefits for both clubs, with the Yankees addressing a pressing need and the Dodgers aiming to strengthen their outfield options while shedding a pitcher nearing free agency.
Trade Benefits for Both Teams
May’s contract expires after this season, making him a low-risk, high-reward acquisition for the Yankees, who could gain a valuable arm during the critical final months. Meanwhile, the Dodgers would receive an outfielder in return and clear payroll for a player who will not be under contract next season. This strategic trade aligns well with each team’s objectives leading up to the postseason.
Looking Ahead to Impact and Subsequent Moves
If completed, this deal could enhance the Yankees’ chances in October by strengthening their pitching depth, a known decisive factor in championship runs. For the Dodgers, acquiring outfield reinforcements may help address current lineup needs. As the trade deadline nears, both teams’ strategies will be closely monitored by fans and analysts anticipating further developments.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Dustin May healthy?
A. Last week, there have been rumors about May, a frequently injured pitcher who is now healthy but having a mixed season before becoming a free agent, according to Jack Harris of the Los Angeles Times.
Q. What happened to Dustin May’s throat?
A. May experienced severe pain in his throat and stomach for 15 minutes. Later, he discovered lettuce was stuck, causing a rare food blockage that tore his esophagus.
Q. What happened to Dustin May’s esophagus?
A. While having dinner with his wife and friends, he tore his esophagus and needed immediate surgery. This happened just as he was finishing a rehab program at the Dodgers’ training center in Camelback Ranch. The problem started when a piece of salad got lodged in his throat.