The New York Yankees are making a serious push for a championship! In a flurry of activity at the 2025 MLB trade deadline, the Yankees have acquired right-handed reliever Jake Bird from the Colorado Rockies, according to multiple reports. This move further strengthens an already impressive bullpen.
To acquire Bird, the Yankees are sending second base prospect Roc Riggio and left-handed pitching prospect Ben Shields to Colorado. Riggio was ranked as the No. 10 overall prospect in the Yankees' system, while Shields came in at No. 28, according to MLB Pipeline. This demonstrates the Yankees' willingness to part with valuable prospects to improve their chances of winning now.
Bird, 29, is in his fourth professional season with the Rockies. He has a 4.73 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 53.1 innings pitched. While his ERA might not be stellar, the Yankees clearly see potential in Bird's stuff and believe he can be a valuable addition to their bullpen. Importantly, Bird isn't just a short-term rental. He is under club control and arbitration eligible through the 2028 season, providing the Yankees with long-term flexibility.
This move comes after the Yankees earlier acquired David Bednar from the Pittsburgh Pirates. It's evident that improving the bullpen was a major priority for General Manager Brian Cashman and the front office as they approach the playoff stretch.
Padres Also Active at the Deadline
The San Diego Padres were also extremely active at the trade deadline. President of Baseball Operations A.J. Preller acquired Freddy Fermin, a new starting catcher, surrendering young pitchers Ryan Bergert and Stephen Kolek in the process. The Padres also acquired All-Star closer Mason Miller and starter JP Sears from the Oakland A's, and outfielder Ryan O'Hearn from the Orioles. These moves signal the Padres are also going all-in for a championship run.
Other Notable Trades
- Mets trade for Giants reliever Tyler Rogers, Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullins
- Phillies trade for Twins reliever Jhoan Duran and outfielder Harrison Bader
- Mariners reacquire Eugenio Suárez
- Astros reacquire Carlos Correa
- Cubs trade for Twins infielder Willi Castro
- Blue Jays land Shane Bieber
The 2025 MLB trade deadline was full of surprises, with many teams making significant moves to improve their rosters. It will be fascinating to see how these trades impact the playoff race in the coming months.