Trade Rumors Swirl Around Yankees Rookie After Strong Start

The New York Yankees' rotation may have just welcomed back Clarke Schmidt, but one ESPN analyst thinks Brian Cashman could still swing big to improve their pitching corps.

In his latest trade prediction column, ESPN Insider David Schoenfield identified the Yankees as one of the three most likely landing spots for Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcantara, who's struggled to a 7.27 ERA through four starts this season. The former Cy Young winner is trying to regain form after missing all of 2024 with a UCL injury and hasn't looked like himself so far.

Still, Schoenfield believes a deadline deal isn't out of the question. He thinks the Yankees can deal from their top-heavy staff and a prospect pool that could match Miami's needs.

"It's hard to envision them trading top prospect George Lombard Jr., plus Spencer Jones' stock has fallen," Schoenfield wrote. "So let's list a couple of pitchers here."

He points to right-handers Will Warren and Ben Hess as potential centerpieces. Warren, 24, would appeal as a near-ready piece. Hess, last year's first-round pick, is still early in his development but has drawn attention for his velocity and upside.

Warren increased his value Tuesday night after a disastrous start in Tampa over the weekend. He retired 10 straight Guardians hitters over five innings. He struck out five and walked one while allowing two runs on three hits.

He's shown the normal ups and downs of a rookie pitcher, but has the ability to step into the Marlins rotation while they rebuild he could be an attractive ship.

"They could certainly use a rotation upgrade," Schoenfield added, noting the Yankees have stressed their bullpen with inconsistent starts from Carlos Rodon, Carlos Carrasco, Schmidt and Warren. Only Max Fried has been a reliable starter so far.

Alcantara remains under team control through 2027 on a team-friendly deal. While the Marlins have used that as leverage, publicly pondering if they are actually going to move him, they have to deal with Alcantara sooner or later. If they are going to complete a rebuild, they need the type of prospect he will bring back now, not in the offseason.