Yankees, Mets Seek Key Trades Ahead July Deadline

As the July 31 MLB trade deadline approaches, the New York Yankees are actively seeking to strengthen their roster, particularly focusing on acquiring a third baseman and bolstering their bullpen to address defensive and pitching weaknesses. They have shown interest in veterans such as Eugenio Suarez and Ryan McMahon for the infield, while bullpen targets have shifted after David Robertson signed with the Philadelphia Phillies, leading the Yankees to pursue National League pitchers Kyle Finnegan and Ryan Helsley. Devin Williams, the Yankees' closer, has struggled with consistency, prompting speculation that acquiring Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar could provide a more reliable option either immediately or for the future. Meanwhile, the New York Mets, engaged in a tight National League East race with the Philadelphia Phillies, are also preparing for the trade deadline by considering trading young infielders like Brett Baty and Mark Vientos to upgrade their bullpen and fill gaps caused by injuries, particularly seeking improvements in center field and relief pitching. Discussions have included potential trades between the Mets and Yankees, with Mets possibly targeting Yankees' center fielder Trent Grisham in exchange for infield prospects. Both New York teams are positioning themselves aggressively for the stretch run, with a clear emphasis on improving bullpen depth and defensive reliability to enhance their postseason prospects.