Although some have been taken aback by the New York Yankees’ starting rotation thus far this season, there is still opportunity for improvement.

Without even one of its top players on the field right now, New York is beginning to seem like a serious World Series contender. 2023 American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole hasn’t been available for a single game for the Yankees this season, but when he returns, the rotation should be greatly strengthened.

Around the trade deadline this summer, the Yankees will probably be searching for further depth additions. Surprisingly, ESPN’s Buster Olney identified pitcher Luis Severino of the New York Mets as a potential trade candidate.

“With the 30 teams generally relying more and more on relievers to absorb innings, and with the usual wave of injuries to starters around the game — like the Marlins’ Jesus Luzardo — there might be few starting pitchers available at the deadline,” observed Olney. “Severino, 30, would be a great fit for a number of reasons: he’s throwing well so far this season, with a 3.22 ERA in his first 10 starts, four home runs allowed, and fifty strikeouts in 58 2/3 innings. Severino spent the winter honing a sinker that seemed to be helping him as well as focusing on his previous pitch-tipping issue.

Additionally, his deal wouldn’t be that costly. With the intention of having a strong season before reentering the free agent market, Severino signed a one-year, $13 million contract. In any case, if the Mets handle negotiations similarly to how they handled Max Scherzer last summer, they may choose to settle for a better prospect package in exchange for Severino’s salary. In addition, he has big-market and postseason experience from spending his whole career in New York, which may make him a fit for a variety of teams, including the Yankees in the event of an injury.”

As a Yankee, Severino was nominated to two All-Star games and was regarded as one of the best pitchers in the American League at one point. His career was disrupted by injuries, but he is back on track and beginning to resemble the person he once was.

If you’re the Yankees and he can stay healthy for a few more months and the Mets decide to transfer him, why not give them a call?

Patrick McAvoy’s experiences include working for the New England Sports Network, where he covered baseball and basketball both locally and nationally.