Yankees trade rumors tracker: Latest updates on Mitch Keller, MacKenzie Gore ahead of MLB deadline

Ahead of the MLB trade deadline on Thursday, perhaps no team is under the spotlight more than the Yankees.

After taking a big early division lead in the AL East, New York has fallen behind the Blue Jays and holds one of the AL's wild-card spots. The Yankees' poor play over the past month has highlighted their weaknesses, primarily on the pitching side.

What also may impact the Yankees' plans is the injury to Aaron Judge, as the reigning AL MVP is currently on the injured list with an elbow issue. Judge is, of course, a crucial part of the team, and any extended absence significantly hurts the Yankees' chances to win moving forward.

New York got a head start on their deadline, trading for Ryan McMahon from the Rockies and Amed Rosario from the Nationals to beef up its offense and defense. Still, there is plenty for New York to do before the deadline expires.

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Yankees trade deadline tracker

Braves acquiring Carlos Carrasco from Yankees

• Date: July 28
• Source: Jack Curry

Carrasco appeared in eight games for the Yankees in April but has spent most of the season in the minor leagues. With Atlanta in need of pitching help, they get the veteran starter who is no longer in New York's plans.

Pitching at the top of the Yankees' priorities

• Date: July 28
• Source: Jorge Castillo

To no surprise, the Yankees seem determined to improve their pitching, ESPN's Jorge Castillo reports. Among the names Castillo mentions is Nationals' All-Star MacKenzie Gore, who would require a "steep price" to acquire. Castillo also said that New York has shown interest in some Pirates pitchers, including Mitch Keller, David Bednar, Caleb Ferguson, and Dennis Santana.

Yankees could still add hitter after McMahon, Rosario deals

• Date: July 28
• Source: Joel Sherman 

While the Yankees need pitching help, The New York Post's Joel Sherman reports they could still add another hitter. Sherman names Willi Castro, Taylor Walls, Jose Caballero, Ha-Seong Kim, Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and David Hamilton as players whom the team may like to fill this role. Sherman also mentions the Yankees will add multiple relievers, which is expected considering the team's bullpen struggles.

New York has shown interest in Rockies reliever Jake Bird

• Date: July 27
• Source: Brendan Kuty

With the Yankees' bullpen struggling, Brendan Kuty of The Athletic reports the team could try to trade for the Rockies' Jake Bird. Bird has been the Rockies' best reliever this year, and since Naw York and Colorado have already completed the Ryan McMahon deal, there is familiarity between the two sides this month.

Yankees explored selling expiring contracts in wake of Judge injury

• Date: July 27
• Source: Andy Martino

With Judge injured and New York in second place in the AL East, SNY's Andy Martino reported that the Yankees discussed potentially trading their impending free agents, such as Devin Williams, Trent Grisham, and Cody Bellinger. Martino added that it seems unlikely the team will do that, instead acting as a "soft buyer."