In a major move to address their pitching concerns, the New York Yankees have officially acquired All-Star right-hander Pablo López from the Minnesota Twins. The deal, finalized Tuesday, brings a much-needed boost to the Yankees’ starting rotation, which has struggled mightily early in the season.
López, 29, joins the Yankees after posting a stellar 1.62 ERA through three starts this season before being sidelined with a minor hamstring issue. Known for his command and efficiency, López ranks among MLB’s elite in key metrics such as breaking run value, chase rate, and walk rate.
The Yankees paid a steep price to land the Venezuelan ace, sending top prospect George Lombard Jr. to the Twins. Lombard, New York’s first-round pick in 2023 and their No. 1-ranked farmhand, was viewed as a potential future star. However, the Yankees prioritized immediate help as they look to solidify their bid for a deep postseason run.
“We’re excited to welcome Pablo to the Bronx,” said Yankees GM Brian Cashman. “He’s a competitor, a proven arm, and exactly the type of pitcher we believe can help carry us through October.”
The Twins, off to a disappointing 5-12 start, saw an opportunity to build for the future by acquiring Lombard, a 19-year-old infielder with strong defensive instincts and advanced plate discipline.
López, under contract through 2027 with $65.25 million remaining on a four-year, $73.5 million deal, now joins Max Fried atop a Yankees rotation that had only one starter with an ERA under 5.00 prior to the trade.
With this move, the Yankees are making it clear: the time to win is now.
