How Yankees Could've 'Prevented' Red Sox from Adley Rutschman Trade Revealed in New MLB Rumors

Despite falling short of some of their pursuits at the trade deadline earlier this month, the New York Yankees still appear to be in good shape as the stretch run of the season approaches.

The Yankees won three of four games against the rival Boston Red Sox this past weekend to improve to 78-59, maintaining their spot atop the AL Wild Card standings.

According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal , the Yankees' recent success came despite failing to address their needs for catching and bullpen help at the Aug. 3 deadline.

Rosenthal reported that they "could have prevented catcher Adley Rutschman from going to the Red Sox if they were willing to part with a package heavy on major-league talent." Sources told Rosenthal that they also "tried for impact relievers" and "even talked to the Toronto Blue Jays about right-handed starter Kevin Gausman."

Despite their slew of targets, the Yankees settled for the additions of sluggers Luis García Jr. and Heliot Ramos to boost their struggling offense. Rosenthal noted that "the combination of a thin bullpen market and a depleted farm system compromised the Yankees' pursuits."

Still, it seems that the Yankees are better off after falling short of their trade deadline interests. Gausman was traded to the Chicago Cubs and has a 5.14 ERA in five starts with his new team. Rutschman has hit just .170 since being sent from the Baltimore Orioles to the Red Sox.

The Yankees will try to keep their momentum going when they open a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels (52-85) on Monday night.