Yankees Trade for Starting Pitcher JA Happ

The Yankees finally made their trade for a starting pitcher. The Yankees agreed to terms with the Toronto Blue Jays to acquire JA Happ for infielder Brandon Drury and minor league outfielder Billy McKinney.

Considering the speculation that the Yankees would have to part with either Justus Sheffield, Miguel Andujar, or Clint Fraizer in any deal, the Yankees made out pretty good here. They kept their top prospects and acquired a starting pitcher that can help them down the stretch.

Happ was 10-6 with a 4.18 ERA in 20 starts for the Blue Jays this season. The 11-year veteran is well traveled having played for the Phillies, Pirates, Mariners, and Astros as well.

What attracted the Yankees to Happ more than a Jacob deGrom, per say, was the fact that he came cheap, and is an expiring contract. Even if Happ does nothing for the Yankees down the stretch, they don't have to keep him beyond the month of October.

There is some concern though with Happ now in the fold. He has not pitched well in over a month. In his last six starts, Happ has allowed 26 runs (21 earned) in 31.1 innings. That equates to an ERA of 6.03 since a June 20 start against the Atlanta Braves. Prior to June 20, Happ held an ERA of 3.48.

A lot of people point to how well Happ pitched against big teams like the Red Sox and Yankees in the past, however, he gave up five unearned runs to the Red Sox in a 6-4 loss on July 12, and gave up six earned runs to the Yankees on July 7.  In his first start of July, Happ gave up seven runs to Detroit. That's right, Detroit!

Considering the Yankees issues in the rotation, one has to wonder how effective Happ will be if his struggles continue. At the same time, a struggling JA Happ is better than Domingo German and Luis Cessa. In case you are wondering, that isn't saying much.

Happ will likely slot into the spot that Cessa is taking up, which means that we should see Happ make his Yankee debut July 31 against the Baltimore Orioles.