Yankees Eye Twins Pitchers Duran and Coulombe Before Trade Deadline
The New York Yankees have taken significant steps to bolster their roster ahead of the upcoming trade deadline, having recently traded two prospects to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for third baseman Ryan McMahon. While acquiring McMahon addresses a critical need for the team, the Yankees are now actively seeking both starting and relief pitchers, with reports linking them to two key players from the Minnesota Twins.
According to CBS Sports writer Mike Axisa, the Yankees have expressed interest in right-handed pitcher Jhoan Duran and left-handed pitcher Danny Coulombe. The Yankees’ bullpen has been underperforming in terms of velocity, currently ranking as the slowest in Major League Baseball with an average speed of around 93 miles per hour, a figure that ties them with the Texas Rangers. Duran, known for his exceptional throwing power, could provide a much-needed boost in high-pressure situations, particularly in close games and extra innings.
Axisa emphasized Duran’s capabilities, noting, “Jhoan Duran, who is under team control through 2027, would bring triple-digit velocity to New York’s bullpen as well as a healthy dose of strikeouts and ground balls.” He highlighted Duran’s versatility, stating that the Twins have utilized him in critical game situations, depending on matchups. This adaptability would allow the Yankees to keep Williams in the ninth inning while deploying Duran against opposing teams’ top hitters during crucial moments.
In addition to Duran, Axisa mentioned Danny Coulombe as a potential rental option. Unlike Duran, Coulombe’s contract situation makes him a short-term solution. “The southpaw is effective against both lefties and righties and has run a very high strikeout rate,” Axisa explained. With Hill as the Yankees’ only left-handed reliever struggling against right-handed batters, acquiring a second lefty could be essential for navigating the American League playoffs, which feature formidable hitters like Yordan Alvarez and Kerry Carpenter.
As the clock ticks down to the MLB trade deadline on July 31, 2025, at 18:00, the Yankees must act swiftly to finalize their roster changes. The decisions made in the coming days could be pivotal for the team’s postseason aspirations. Fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close watch on the Yankees’ actions as they look to strengthen their pitching staff.
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