Sometimes, the best outcomes come from the most unexpected places — like a reliever thriving in MLB’s version of a launching pad. The Rockies’ star, quietly carving out a name in Colorado, has been enhanced as a powerful gem for a Yankees bullpen looking for depth. While the star’s 3.62 ERA could not drop jaws at first glance, it is vital to remember he has been going through the thin air and chaotic defense of Coors Field. Adjust for context, and suddenly, he looks a lot more golden than gritty.
Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media posed the question on everyone’s mind: “Which reliever should the Yankees import at the deadline?” Fellow analyst Alex Wilson had no hesitation. The insider spotlighted Jake Bird for his 49.2 innings of steady performance, highlighting the star’s 59 strikeouts and 82nd percentile ranking in strikeout rate. Wilson said, “I think the Yankees would not have to worry about losing a trade with the Rockies.” Confidence is vital— and it looks like this move will not cost the Yankees a ransom, either.
However, Bird is not just a numbers guy; he passes the eye test, too. Bird limits hard contact, features a sharp breaking ball, and manages to keep composed in the chaos, which is the Rockies’ defense. Wilson did not stop and said, “He’s pitching around garbage.” This is not just a jab — it is a testament to Bird’s adaptability. If the star is putting up such outcomes under that much pressure, imagine what Bird could do in pinstripes with an elite defense behind him.
The kicker? Bird provides upside and control. For a team like the Yankees, always balancing the now and next, that is a rare find. As Wilson playfully warned, “Maybe we end up trading a Hall of Famer away and this ends up being an all-time bad take. But I’m confident the Yankees will win a trade with the Rockies.” Such a belief in a reliever is not thrown around lightly, specifically in July.
Which reliever should the Yankees import at the deadline?@AlexWilsonESM thinks Jake Bird is a great fit for a variety of reasons, and I think the Yankees wouldn’t have to worry about losing a trade with the Rockies: pic.twitter.com/a6qOgOKxaq
— Ryan Garcia (@RyanGarciaESM) July 18, 2025
This is not related to chasing attention. It is related to identifying a star who fits the need, the profile, and the moment. Bird could not be the biggest star on the board, however, if the Yankees want a real shot at tightening up the team’s bullpen — without mortgaging the future — the Rockies’ breakout reliever could just be the bird in hand the Yankees need.
While Jake Bird could address the Yankees’ bullpen gaps, the management could not stop there. A much larger fish could be on the hook—one that fills an enhancing gap in the starting rotation and signals the Yankees are all-in on a World Series push.
Yankees target Diamondbacks ace in blockbuster trade, dealing swing.
With their rotation in flux and postseason expectations sky-high, the Yankees are rumored to be pursuing Diamondbacks star Merrill Kelly in what could become a headline-grabbing trade. Injuries have sapped the Yankees’ right-handed power, forcing the team to lean on inexperienced stars like Cam Schittler and Will Warren. While Max Fried and Carlos Rodón headline the rotation with lefty dominance, the gap with a dependable right-handed starter has left a glaring imbalance. Kelly, with a 3.34 ERA across 116 innings and a WHIP just above 1.00, fits the bill perfectly.
Beyond the star’s regular-season stability, Merrill Kelly has October credibility. The star helped to guide the Diamondbacks to a World Series berth and has proven his capability to thrive in high-stakes situations, exactly the trait the Yankees need in a win-now season. With Marcus Stroman’s health uncertain and Luis Gil sidelined, adding such a seasoned performer could tip the team’s rotation from good to lethal.
From the Diamondbacks’ side, the return package would need to be enticing for a powerful rental. A mix of MLB-ready stars and promising prospects—Cam Schittler, Everson Pereira, and perhaps Ben Rice—has surfaced in speculation. While this could look like a steep cost for a short-term fix, the Yankees know this could be the move that cements the team’s championship bid.
Oct 28, 2023; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks relief pitcher Merrill Kelly (29) reacts in the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers in game two of the 2023 World Series at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
If the Yankees truly want to make noise in October, this trade deadline is the team’s moment to act. Whether it is a sneaky bullpen upgrade like Bird and a front-line starter like Merrill Kelly, the stars are there—and so is the pressure.
`
The post Yankees Could Land Rockies’ Breakout Reliever in Blockbuster Deadline Deal to Boost Bullpen appeared first on EssentiallySports.