Steven Bisig – USA TODAY Sports
After hearing Friday’s report in the New York Post that New York Yankees starter Phil Hughes could be put on the trading block, I wasn’t surprised. I’ve been suggesting that the Yankees trade him for a long time now, and now it seems that they might actually do it.
Hughes has been the top pitching prospect for the Yankees for many years now, but I think it’s safe to say that he hasn’t turned into the star they thought he would be. He has a bloated 4.80 ERA this season and only three wins. He’s had strong starts, but he’s also had terrible ones and that’s the reason he needs to go; he’s simply too unpredictable to be a reliable starter.
In addition, the Yankees have a surprising amount of pitching depth to replace Hughes should they trade him. Vidal Nuno has proven himself to be a good lefty arm, and Ivan Nova is just two years removed from a 16-4 season. In addition, 24-year-old Michael Pineda should be back from injury shortly, giving the Yankees yet another option.
I think that New York will deal Hughes as soon as possible. He will be a free agent at the end of the season and seems to be asking for more than they’re willing to give him, especially considering his recent performance. I think it would make sense to acquire a bat due to the Yankees’ recent struggles at the plate. Adding another pitcher would be pointless considering all the depth they have at the position.
Whatever the Yankees decide, I doubt that Phil Hughes will be in pinstripes much longer.
Kyle Massa is a New York Yankees writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @kylemassa, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
