The New York Yankees reportedly "backed out" of a trade agreement for Detroit Tigers starter Jack Flaherty ahead of Tuesday's deadline due to medical concerns.
It seems the Yankees were close to acquiring the resurgent right-hander just before the trade deadline arrived, but instead "backed out of a preliminary trade agreement" due to Flaherty's medical records, according to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
It wasn't reported what the Yankees were going to give up in the deal before backing out.
The Los Angeles Dodgers wound up winning the bid, sending two prospects — including a former top prospect for the Yankees — in the deal for Flaherty.
Rosenthal mentioned that the reviewing of a player's medical history "generally begins only after a trade agreement is in place."
Flaherty's injury history is a red flag. Entering 2024, Flaherty had surpassed 80 innings pitched just once since 2020. He's been dealing with a lower back issue that forced him to miss a start in July.
The Yankees didn't wind up adding a starter at the deadline. Instead, they acquired Jazz Chisholm and a pair of swing-and-miss relievers — Mark Leiter Jr. and Enyel De Los Santos.
Adding to the rotation would have been a nice move for the Yankees, especially with a starter like Flaherty, who has a 2.95 ERA across 18 starts this season.
Only time will tell whether this was the right move for the Yankees, but at least fans have a reason as to why they didn't land Flaherty.
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