The New York Yankees have expressed interest in acquiring left-handed pitcher Andrew Heaney from the Pittsburgh Pirates, according to Jon Heyman of The New York Post. Alongside Heaney, the Yankees and New York Mets have inquired about Joe Ryan of the Minnesota Twins and MacKenzie Gore of the Washington Nationals, though the chances of those deals materializing appear slim. The Yankees also made an approach about Pirates prospect Oneil Cruz, but none of these discussions are expected to lead to transactions.

Pitching Options on the Yankees’ Radar

Recently, the Yankees have connected themselves with numerous starting pitchers, ranging from frontline candidates like Dylan Cease and Mitch Keller to backend pitchers such as Chris Paddack. Paddack was traded from the Twins to the Detroit Tigers just yesterday, adding to the shifting landscape for teams searching for pitching help. Heaney falls into the category of an experienced but inconsistent option, rather than an elite upgrade.

Heaney’s Mixed Performance This Season

While Heaney showed some promise earlier this season with Pittsburgh, his overall numbers are uneven. Over 107 innings, Heaney has posted a 4.79 earned run average (ERA) paired with a low 17.2% strikeout rate, reflective of diminished dominance compared to previous years. Initially, Heaney pitched well, maintaining a 3.33 ERA through 14 starts, though his 18.5% strikeout rate was still below average. Some of his early success was buoyed by a .234 batting average on balls in play and an 81.8% strand rate, suggesting luck played a role. Advanced metrics such as FIP and SIERA, both at 4.44 during that period, indicated a likely regression. Heaney’s following six starts confirmed this as he struggled, allowing an 8.79 ERA.

Why the Yankees Might Pursue Heaney as a Solid Rotation Piece

Despite his uneven performance, Heaney could provide the Yankees with an affordable and experienced arm to fill gaps caused by injuries. Comparably, Chris Paddack’s recent numbers before being traded—a 4.95 ERA and 17.6% strikeout rate—mirror Heaney’s current form. The Yankees have faced significant setbacks in their rotation, losing Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt to Tommy John surgery. Meanwhile, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón remain the team’s top pitchers, with Luis Gil nearing a return after missing most of the season. Will Warren has also contributed positively overall.

Adding Heaney could give the Yankees stability on the mound every five days. It might also allow them to ease Cam Schlittler back to Triple-A or shift Marcus Stroman, who has struggled with a 6.08 ERA in eight starts, into a long relief role or off the active roster entirely. Heaney’s presence would strengthen the rotation depth during a critical stretch down the stretch run.

Playoff Implications and Financial Considerations

The Yankees currently find themselves in a tight Wild Card race, holding just a 1.5-game lead over the Texas Rangers, the top team outside of a playoff spot. Heaney is unlikely to be part of the team’s projected playoff rotation but could offer necessary quality improvement and innings to help maintain their competitive position. His contract is manageable; Heaney is making $5.25 million this season, with less than $1.75 million remaining to be paid out.

Operating as a third-time competitive balance tax payer and exceeding the luxury tax threshold, the Yankees would face a 110% surtax on additional spending. This financial reality may steer them toward more cost-effective veteran options like Heaney over more expensive or high-upside but costly players.

Challenges in Pursuing Higher-Profile Pitchers

While a more impactful pitching upgrade could boost the Yankees’ rotation, acquiring players like MacKenzie Gore or Joe Ryan presents significant obstacles. Both pitchers are controlled cheaply for two more years beyond this season, making them highly valuable to their current teams. The likelihood of obtaining either would probably require a large prospect package. Similarly, Oneil Cruz, controlled for three years, remains out of reach due to his value and the difficult negotiations expected.

Next Steps for the Yankees’ Rotation

The Yankees seem poised to pursue pragmatic solutions as they navigate their postseason push and injury challenges. Veteran pitchers such as Andrew Heaney offer an economical option to add depth without demanding extensive prospect capital. As the trade deadline approaches, the team will weigh affordability, performance potential, and roster flexibility in deciding how best to bolster their pitching staff. Depth additions could prove critical for the Yankees to sustain momentum and solidify their playoff position during this intense stretch.