3 Big-Time Starters Yankees Should Target in Midseason Trades After Luis Severino Injury

The New York Yankees starting rotation looked as good as ever after inking Gerrit Cole to a nine-year deal this offseason, but things have changed now that Luis Severino will be sidelined for the long haul with an elbow injury that requires Tommy John surgery. The Yankees will have to rely on their depth without Sevy this season, but instead of throwing in the towel and resolving to make do with the pitchers they have now, New York would be wise to consider a midseason trade for a starter that can replace Severino's firepower. With that in mind, here are three starting pitchers the Yankees should pursue via trade during the season to bolster their rotation.

3. Carlos Carrasco

Indians pitcher Carlos Carrasco extends his body toward home plate against the Twins. / Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images

The Cleveland Indians have Carlos Carrasco under contract through the 2022 season, but could be in position to trade their aging star before then. Just three years removed from leading the American League in wins, Carrasco would be the ideal plug for Severino in New York's rotation. Of all the big-name pitchers the Yankees could end up trading for this season, going after Cookie wouldn't require as substantial of a package on New York's end.

2. Trevor Bauer

Reds pitcher Trevor Bauer winds up to deliver a pitch against the Cubs. / Quinn Harris/Getty Images

Should the Yankees have their eyes set on a short-term rental replacement for Severino, Trevor Bauer is their guy. The 29-year-old is set to become a free agent after the 2020 campaign, and depending on how this year goes for the Reds, he may want out of Cincinnati a few months early. His 2019 ERA skyrocketed above 4.00 in his 10 starts with the Reds last year, but he's still capable of being a force on the mound. In his last full season pitching in the AL, Bauer earned his first All-Star selection and finished the year with a 2.21 ERA as a member of the Indians. He could be had for the right price.

1. Shane Bieber

Indians pitcher Shane Bieber took home MVP honors in his first All-Star game appearance. / Jason Miller/Getty Images

Trading for Shane Bieber would take a lot, but if there's any team bold enough to put together a lucrative offer to acquire him, it's the Yankees. In less than two years in the majors, the 24-year-old has collected 26 wins to just 13 losses while boasting a 3.72 ERA. Bieber is also coming off his first All-Star selection, but has twice the value as Bauer given the age difference and team control through the 2024 season. If Cleveland doesn't extend him early, the Yankees have a chance to step in.