Yankees Linked to Pulling Off Trade Deadline Move With AL East Rival

The New York Yankees are headed towards the upcoming MLB trade deadline at the end of July as one of the most interesting teams to keep an eye on.

After making a World Series run last season before falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers, the team was expected to have a good shot at getting back for another championship opportunity this season. Losing superstar outfielder Juan Soto was a tough blow, but the Yankees have remained competitive.

Throughout the first half of the 2025 MLB season thus far, New York holds a 53-41 record. Entering Saturday's action, the Yankees were trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by two games in the American League East division race.

With that in mind, New York is a team that could look to take a major swing at the deadline.

One area the Yankees could target in trade discussions is adding another starting pitcher. To that end, they have been connected to a potential trade with the AL East rival Baltimore Orioles.

Bleacher Report analyst Tim Kelly has suggested that New York consider pursuing a trade with the Orioles for veteran starting pitcher Zach Eflin.

"Eflin is a rental, so the Yankees could acquire him from the division-rival Orioles without having to trade a top-100 prospect. That would leave them wiggle room to address other areas on the roster, such as third base and the back of the bullpen," Kelly wrote. "While Eflin spent the first seven years of his career with the Phillies, the Yankees would be his third AL East team in four seasons, joining the O's and Tampa Bay Rays."

Eflin has not had an elite season thus far with Baltimore. He hasn't been horrible, but he has a lot of potential to pick things up in the second half of the year.

During the 2025 season, he has made 12 starts. He has compiled a 6-5 record to go along with a 5.95 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP, a 3.8 K/BB ratio, and 62 innings pitched.

At 31 years old, Eflin being on an expiring deal would be a major plus for the Yankees. If things go well in the second half, they could consider re-signing him. Should they not go as hoped, the two sides could part ways in the offseason.

Expect to hear a lot of rumors surrounding New York as the trade deadline approaches. Eflin is just one potential option should the Yankees decided to pursue starting pitching help.