Bronx Bomber Ball

The Yankees have made their first splash of the offseason by acquiring the Big Maple, James Paxton, from the Seattle Mariners. Fresh off his second-consecutive season at the top of the Mariner’s rotation, Paxton did not come cheap as the Yankees traded away their top prospect, Justus Sheffield, along with breakout prospects Erik Swanson and Dominic Thompson-Williams.   Photo Credit: AP

Last year Cashman acquired Sonny Gray, Jaime Garcia, David Robertson, Tommy Khanle, and Todd Frazier before the July 31st deadline, which helped drive the Bombers to game seven of the ALCS, but they gave up some of their better prospect in the process. The team has its sights set on a championship, so GM Brian Cashman will undoubtedly upgrade the starting pitching at the deadline, but who and for what? ESPN

As we close in on the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline on July 31st, it's about that time of year where we start analyzing potential trade targets as well as which prospects might be on the move as part of those deals.  Our own Maxx Hotton recently completed a series of pieces in which he previewed potential trade packages for  Jacob deGrom ,  Cole Hamels , JA Happ , and  Madison Bumgarner .  However, the trade deadline (as well as the weeks immediately following the conclusion of the World Series) are also a time for teams to starting thinking about future roster constructions and get their 40-man rosters in shape.   Left to Right: Justus Sheffield, Chance Adams, Dillon Tate Photo Credit: Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

When the Yankees shipped Carlos Beltran to Arlington in the summer of 2016, they received three minor league pitchers, most notably, Dillon Tate who was a former top-five draft pick. While Tate has flashed signs of his former self, there is another pitcher who is currently flying under the radar and proving why he could have been absolute steal. Meet Erik Swanson.   Photo Credit: Martin Griff

Brian Cashman, fully embracing Hal Steinbrenner’s endorsement to sell off on the 2016 Yankees and begin preparing for a Yankee rebuild, while remaining competitive made a two blockbuster deals headlined by top prospects, and he continued his pursuit of young talent during today’s trade deadline. Cashman reached a deal with the Texas Rangers parting ways with the heart and soul of the offense, Carlos Beltran, in return for the Rangers fifth ranked prospect, RHP Dillion Tate, as well as two other right-handers Erik Swanson and Nick Green. Photo Credit: Adam Hunger | USA TODAY Sports