Nathan Eovaldi Trade Rumors: Latest News, Speculation on Yankees Pitcher

Tim DanielsJul 16, 2016

New York Yankees starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is reportedly generating interest from multiple teams ahead of the Aug. 1 trade deadline.

Continue for updates.

Two Teams Emerge as Possible Eovaldi Landing Spots

Saturday, July 16

Rob Biertempfel of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review reported Saturday the Pittsburgh Pirates have already engaged in discussions with the Yankees about the right-hander. He noted the Texas Rangers could also be a factor in the trade talks.

Yankees manager Joe Girardi announced Friday the 26-year-old flamethrower would return to the rotation after a brief stint in the bullpen. He strung together three scoreless outings in relief, but the team never changed its overall outlook, per Zachary Ripple of the New York Daily News.

"I liked what he did on Sunday. I thought his split was more consistent on Sunday," Girardi said. "I told you all along we looked at him as a starter, and at the time we moved him to the bullpen, we needed some help there. He did a really good job on Sunday, and he's going back in the rotation."

Eovaldi has always carried a lot of intrigue thanks to his upper-90s fastball. He's struggled to develop an out pitch, however, which is why his numbers continue to lag behind the hype.

The former Los Angeles Dodgers and Miami Marlins starter possesses a 4.24 ERA and 1.39 WHIP through 129 career appearances (122 starts). His numbers this season are even more mediocre, with a 5.11 ERA coming out of the All-Star break.

His peripheral stats suggest a second-half rebound could be on the horizon, though. His strikeout rate (7.4 K's per nine innings) is above his career average (6.6), while his walk rate (2.9) remains steady, which is one reason his xFIP is a more reasonable 4.12, according to FanGraphs.

He pitched 7.2 innings without giving up a run during his short bullpen stay. He gave up a total of eight hits and walks over that span while striking out five. Between those encouraging results and the background numbers, it's no surprise teams may try to buy low.

The Pirates and Rangers both make sense as possible destinations. Pittsburgh ranks 17th in team ERA, while Texas checks in at No. 19. Adding a piece like Eovaldi to the back end of their rotations could provide a second-half boost as they try to earn playoff berths.

A lot depends on the results of both Eovaldi and the Yankees over the next few weeks. New York is 5.5 games back in the wild-card race. If it doesn't start climbing in the standings and Eovaldi doesn't showcase improvement, moving him before the deadline for other assets may become reality.