King: Yankees may have interest in Brad Hand

With the team's recent bullpen struggles, the Yankees could definitely look to add some relief pitching help prior to this year's trade deadline. According to George A. King III of the New York Post, there is a sense around the league that the Yankees are interested in San Diego Padres left-handed reliever Brad Hand. In King's report, he notes that David Post, the assistant to general manager A.J. Preller, has been following the Yankees Triple-A affiliate. It's possible that Post is scouting the Yankees' prospects due to the organization's interest in Hand. Hand will be one of the most coveted trade candidates as the deadline approaches. The 27-year-old has been one of the game's best relievers, and earned his first ever All-Star selection this season. This year, the southpaw ranks fourth among relievers in innings pitched (47). In 42 appearances, he has posted a 2.30 ERA and has been very good at getting ground ball outs. Hand has proven the ability to dominate hitters from both sides of the plate. Left-handed hitters can't seem to figure him out, as they have posted a slash line of .192/.300/.365 against him. Right-handed hitters have had their struggles against him as well, posting a slash line of .203/.262/.293. In the upcoming weeks, the Padres are likely to trade Hand, who has two years of club-control remaining. He could bring a nice haul of prospects for a team who is currently in a rebuilding mode. It is not the first time this season that these two clubs have been connected about possible trade talks. A few weeks ago, Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports reported that the Padres reached out to the Yankees in regards to top prospect Gleyber Torres.  The Yankees have a lot of quality prospects that could draw the Padres' interest. General manager Brian Cashman has been hesitant to part with the organization's top prospects, but could elect to do so to acquire one of the game's best relief pitchers. As the trade deadline approaches, it is interesting to see that the Padres front office is taking such a close look at the Yankees prospects. No deal is reported to be imminent, but these two teams could definitely match as trade partners in the upcoming weeks.