MLB rumors: Is Giants’ Madison Bumgarner the only starting pitcher Yankees would trade for now?

Could left-handed pitcher Madison Bumgarner be headed to the Yankees before the trade deadline on July 31?

Some feel the Yankees already have enough pitching to compete for a World Series title, considering their batting lineup. They boast a starting pitching rotation -- Masahiro Tanaka, James Paxton, Domingo German and CC Sabathia -- that some teams would die for. As a unit, they’ve performed well throughout the year, lessening the need to push Luis Severino before he’s ready. They are a combined 27-15, with a 3.80 ERA.

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But when you take a closer look at their depth, there is reason for concern. At least, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Paxton and German have never pitched in a playoff game, Sabathia is old and doesn’t pitch deep into games, and the bullpen is really only four reliable relievers deep, depending on how you feel about Chad Green’s performance and Dellin Betances’ return from injury. No, it’s not 2014 and trading for Bumgarner and expecting a similar level of October dominance isn’t realistic. But do you want this guy on the mound in a big game? Of course you do. The Yankees haven’t even been to a World Series since winning in 2009. This is the guy most likely to help push them over the top.

You can never have enough pitching when competing for baseball’s biggest prize. Bumgarner is 5-7 on the year in 20 starts with a 3.86 ERA that should make him at home in the Bronx.

Todderick Hunt may be reached at thunt@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TodderickHunt. Find NJ.com Rutgers Football on Facebook.