Chicago Cubs Rumors: Breaking down the top moves of the trade deadline

Yankees poised for a long-term run

Remember when the New York Yankees pillaged the future for the sake of the now?

Yeah, those days are gone. With a loaded farm system and a young core already at the big-league level, the Bronx Bombers appear ready to battle in the AL East for years to come. Aaron Judge is a leading candidate for MVP and the club’s newest addition may prove to be the biggest difference-maker.

On Monday, the Yankees dealt for Oakland right-hander Sonny Gray in one of the most highly-anticipated deals of the day. The right-hander, under team control through 2019, bounced back from an injury-riddled 2016 season early this year. In his Athletics career, Gray owned a 3.42 ERA in 112 starts.

Manager Joe Girardi spoke to the media Monday about the deal – and the opportunity at-hand.

"“I think we’ve definitely improved ourselves,” Girardi said. “When I look at ownership and the front office, they’ve given us an opportunity to do something special here. Now we have to go out and do it.”"

Oakland acquired Dustin Fowler, Jorge Mateo and James Kaprielian in the deal. Following the trade, Fowler ranks third, Mateo fifth and Kaprielian 11th on the Oakland MLB.com prospect list. New York held onto some key talent in Clint Frazier, former Cub Gleyber Torres and lefty Justus Sheffield.

Locked in a battle with the Red Sox atop the East, the Yankees needed to address the starting rotation. And they did it in a big way. Watch out for the Baby Bombers as October nears.

Next: Breaking down early deals on Deadline Day