To strengthen their starting rotation, the Yankees are linked to a $14 million pitcher…

The New York Yankees were MLB’s first team to reach the 50-win plateau in 2024. They’re about to get stronger with the return of reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole, too. Could general manager Brian Cashman further bolster the rotation with someone like Detroit Tigers hurler Jack Flaherty?

FOX Sports’ Deesha Thosar tossed out the right-hander’s name as an option for the Yankees as the trade deadline creeps closer.

The Tigers have disappointed so far this season. They’re entering June 19 games with a 34-39 record. That has them 11.5 games out of first place in the American League Central. Detroit’s chances to make a run at the AL Wild Card are a little better. They’re currently sitting 6.5 games behind the final postseason spot.

Manager A.J. Hinch’s club isn’t a definite seller at the trade deadline yet. But they’ll likely turn into one if the Tigers don’t right the ship within the next few weeks. It doesn’t have to be a full-on fire sale, though. Flaherty would be attractive because he’s pitched well and will be a free agent this winter.

Through 77.2 innings (13 starts), Flaherty is 4-4 with a 3.01 ERA, 0.95 WHIP and 100 strikeouts while playing on a one-year, $14 million deal.