How Yankees could bolster lineup, rotation in blockbuster trade with Diamondbacks

The New York Yankees are swinging for upgrades ahead of the MLB trade deadline, which is July 31 at 6 p.m. ET.

According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, New York “would love to acquire” Arizona Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez. But this move alone wouldn’t justify parting with top-tier prospects.

That is where things get interesting.

If Arizona’s front office is open to expanding the deal, New York could make a legitimate blockbuster offer — perhaps centering a package around Suarez and a proven starter like Zac Gallen or Merrill Kelly.

Suarez, 33, is batting .255 with 28 home runs this season, and he brings reliable defense and postseason experience. Still, he’s not the kind of piece that would get the Yankees to part with outfielder Spencer Jones, one of their top prospects.

But Gallen? That’s a different story.

The 2023 Cy Young finalist has ace-level stuff and another year of team control. Kelly, meanwhile, is a battle-tested veteran with a strong playoff resume. Either arm would immediately solidify a Yankees rotation that’s dealt with injuries and inconsistency.

What a trade could look like

If Suarez is simply a salary dump, Arizona may only ask for a mid-tier prospect. But if Gallen or Kelly is attached, the Yankees would have to put real talent on the table.

To Yankees:

• RHP Zac Gallen or RHP Merrill Kelly

• 3B Eugenio Suarez

To Diamondbacks:

• OF Spencer Jones (Yankees No. 2 prospect)

• LHP Kyle Carr (Yankees No. 18 prospect)

• INF Jorbit Vivas (Yankees No. 19 prospect)

From Arizona’s perspective, this is a forward-thinking pivot. Jones — a 6-foot-7 outfielder with power and speed — could thrive in the desert and anchor their next core alongside outfielder Corbin Carroll and the young but talented prospect Druw Jones. Carr gives them a rotation piece with upside, and Vivas brings versatility in the infield.

For the Yankees, the return bolsters both the lineup and the rotation in one sweep. It’s bold, but bold is often what it takes in October.

Don’t be shocked if Yankees general manager Brian Cashman tries to pull off something big. This could be one of those rare win-win deals.