Amid the different MLB trades in the 2024 season, Yankees acquiring Chisholm Jr became a revelation. After signing Chisholm, the ex-Marlins player outshined against the Philadelphia Phillies on Monday night. He smashed two homers in the second, followed by the ninth innings, and sailed the Yankees 14-4 over the Phillies. Similarly, as the MLB trade deadline is just a few hours away, the Pinstripes might be looking for players who could replicate Chisholm’s performance. Especially in the pitching department, the Yankees’ struggles seem imminent.

Entering Monday’s games against the Phillies, the team had a 4.82 ERA since June 1, which is the third worst in MLB. Currently, the team might need a starting pitcher who could resolve their initial pitching woes. Hence, clarifying the trade rumors around Flaherty, MLB insider Bob Nightengale had some interesting insights on the Jack Flaherty trade-off with a long-term Yankees veteran pitcher.

MLB insider shared snippets on the possible Yankees trade

Whether it was trading three minor league players to get Jazz or willing to acquire other prospects, GM Brian Cashman seems to be actively involved. On the possibility of a trade-off between the Yankees and Tigers, top MLB insider Bob Nightengale said, “The New York Yankees are in extensive trade talks for Tiger starter Jack Flaherty and plan to trade starter Nestor Cortes if they land Flaherty.” For the Detroit Tigers, Flaherty has performed well in the 2024 MLB season. In his 18 starts in the current season, he has a 7-2 record with an ERA of 2.95, 133 strikeouts, and an impressive WHIP of 2.96 in 106.2 innings. 

On the other hand, comparing Flaherty with Cortes, the 29-year-old Yankees pitcher has been sluggish. Especially at the Yankees stadium, in his 11 starts, he has scored a 4-4 along with a mediocre 2.48 ERA. Additionally, looking at Jack’s eight-season performance, it has been a decent one. He has a 49-39 record with a 3.64 ERA where he played for the Cardinals (2017-23), Orioles (2023) and Tigers (2024). Further, if we look at the salaries of the two players, there is a major difference between the two. While Cortes gets $3.95 million for the 2024 season, Flaherty is getting a whopping $14 million this MLB season.

 Also, if we look at the current MLB trade market, there are not many quality pitchers available. Reason? Not many teams are out of the 2024 Playoff contention that might compel the Yankees to go after Jack Flaherty. With this, the New York Yankees could get a haul for Nestor Cortes Jr, who still has another year of control over the Yankees. However, at one end, while the Yankees might think of trading Cortes, the Bronx Bombers pitcher has his own theory brewing. 

Nestor Cortes is still confident that the Yankees want him in the lineup

On the eve of the awaited MLB trade deadline, Nestor might have got a hint about his possible trade with Flaherty. Regarding the trade discussions going around, he said. “My agent knows that my name has been thrown around.” In the series finale against the Phillies on Wednesday, Cortes is scheduled to start as a starting pitcher. However, as the trade window is active only for a few hours, a lot can happen before the 6 pm Tuesday trade deadline. 

As for his place in the team, Cortes noted, “I’m just confident that the Yankees want me enough to stay here.” However, seeing Nestor’s journey with the Yankees, it has not been consistent. In the 2013 draft, the Yankees drafted him in the 36th round. Still, he was not a regular part of the team’s rotation until he found his rhythm in his third stint of the 2021 MLB season. Also, even in the American League Cy Young voting, Cortes grabbed the eighth spot even after scoring at an ERA of 2.44 and 0.92 WHIP in his 28 outings.

After battling cuff strain and hamstring injuries in 2023-24, he is still tied for the ‘league lead’ despite having 22 starts in 2024. Hence, from Nestor Cortes’s perspective, the next few hours would be crucial for him. On the contrary, as per Cot’s Baseball contracts, the Pinstripes’ competitive balance tax payroll is around $315 million. Hence, if a Cortes-Flaherty deal is done, it could increase the club’s CBT by around $3.3 million for the remaining season. Eventually, considering every scenario, the Yankees have a big decision to make.

Will they go after Detroit Tigers Flaherty or stick to their veteran pitcher, Cortes? What do you think? Share below.