Yankees' Top Hypothetical Trade Targets for Early Season Shakeup

The New York Yankees are still looking to hit their stride after an up-and-down start to the 2023 season. Injuries up and down the roster contributed to their relatively slow first month-plus of the year.

The biggest issue has been the starting rotation, which has been without Luis Severino, Carlos Rodón and Frankie Montas for the entire year. In their absence, Clarke Schmidt (9 GS, 6.30 ERA, 40.0 IP) and Jhony Brito (8 GS, 5.20 ERA, 36.1 IP) have been forced to step into spots in the rotation, and the early returns have not been good from either young starter.

With that in mind, it's never too early to start looking ahead to some potential trade targets the team could explore to address that weakness.

We've highlighted one blockbuster target, one low-cost target, and one outside-the-box target currently pitching in the minor leagues.

Blockbuster Addition: RHP Lucas Giolito, Chicago White Sox

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - APRIL 28: Lucas Giolito #27 of the Chicago White Sox throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Guaranteed Rate Field on April 28, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)

After receiving AL Cy Young votes in 2019, 2020 and 2021, Chicago White Sox right-hander Lucas Giolito took a step backward last season when he posted a 4.90 ERA in 30 starts.

The 6'6" right-hander has looked more like himself in the early going this year, logging a 3.86 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 56 strikeouts in 53.2 innings over his first nine starts. His 1.8 walks per nine innings are a career low.

With free agency looming after the 2023 season comes to a close and the White Sox going nowhere fast, he is a prime candidate to be moved at the deadline. Making an early play for his services could help the Yankees maximize his rental value.

Low-Cost Addition: RHP Michael Lorenzen, Detroit Tigers

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CLEVELAND, OH - MAY 09: Michael Lorenzen #21 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Progressive Field on May 09, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Ron Schwane/Getty Images)

Sticking with potential rental options whom the Yankees could explore to add depth to their starting staff, Michael Lorenzen is currently playing on a one-year, $8.5 million deal with the Detroit Tigers.

The reliever-turned-starter had a 4.24 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 97.2 innings in his first season as a full-time starter last year. He has been even better in 2023, posting a 3.44 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 34 innings.

Lorenzen is throwing his high-spin four-seam fastball more and his sinker less this season, and his rock solid 3.80 FIP provides some reassurance that his early success will be sustainable the rest of the way.

Outside-the-Box Addition: RHP Ben Lively

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CINCINNATI, OHIO - MAY 11: Ben Lively #59 of the Cincinnati Reds pitches in the second inning against the New York Mets at Great American Ball Park on May 11, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

A fourth-round pick in 2013, Ben Lively was once one of the top pitching prospects in the Cincinnati Reds system. He ranked No. 9 on the organizational list at the start of the 2014 campaign.

Now 31 years old, he had not pitched in the majors since 2019. He spent 2020 and 2021 pitching for the Samsung Lions in the KBO before returning stateside and spending last year at the Triple-A level.

He has a 1.69 ERA in 5.1 innings since returning to the majors on May 11, making a pair of multi-inning appearances out of the bullpen. He was 4-0 with a 2.33 ERA and only 19 hits allowed in 27 innings in the minors prior to being called up.

If he's available for cash considerations like many organizational depth types who fit his profile, he could be a nice depth pickup for the Yankees to eat up some innings.

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All stats courtesy of Baseball Reference.