3 bullpen targets for Yankees ahead of trade deadline following tough loss against Red Sox ft. Tanner Scott and more

Manager Aaron Boone and the New York Yankees had to digest a tough 5-3 loss against the Boston Red Sox on Friday as their bullpen woes continued. After a quality start from Nestor Cortes Jr. (six IP, three H, one ER, one BB and eight Ks), the Yankees bullpen faltered yet again as they gave up multi-run innings down the stretch.

The Red Sox were trailing 3-1 when they entered the top of the ninth, but scored two runs to send the game to extra innings before adding two more in the 10th inning to hand the Bronx Bombers their fourth straight loss.

With the trade deadline only over three weeks away, the Yankees need to solidify their bullpen which is now costing them games dearly.

Here's a closer look at three options that Yankees could think about ahead of the trade deadline on July 30.

3 bullpen targets for Yankees to consider ahead of trade deadline

#1. Tanner Scott, Miami Marlins

MLB: Miami Marlins at Arizona Diamondbacks. Credit: IMAGN

One of the best left-handed relievers in the game, Tanner Scott could entice some interest among teams trying to bolster their bullpen. It's another season where the Miami Marlins (30-58) aren't competitive and they could look to trade him for future assets. Moreover, this is Scott's last year under the team's control before he hits free agency.

After posting a 2.31 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 78 innings last season, Scott continued to impress this year as well, improving on ERA with 1.46 and 12 saves in 36 games pitched.

#2. Mason Miller, Oakland Athletics

MLB: Oakland Athletics at Arizona Diamondbacks. Credit: IMAGN

Another top reliever who is reported to be available at trade deadline is the Oakland Athletics' RHP Mason Miller. With the A's looking like sellers, sending their top bullpen arm for future round picks won't be a mistake.

Moreover, Miller is under team control till the 2026 season, with the annual cap hit of $740,000 only this year through arbitration. This could entice the Yankees to go for him in terms of a future prospect.

This season, he has pitched in 31 games, going 1-1 for 2.39 ERA, 66 Ks, 0.85 WHIP and 14 saves.

#3. Kyle Finnegan, Washington Nationals

MLB: Miami Marlins at Washington Nationals. Credit: IMAGN

There's no indication whether the Washington Nationals are interested in trading their top high-leverage bullpen arm in Kyle Finnegan. However, if they are and if the Yankees are unable to meet the lofty asking price for Miller or Scott, then this is their best option to consider trading for.

Finnegan has been unhittable this year down the stretch with him having a WHIP of 0.96. Moreover, he has been far better than his last season's ERA mark (3.76). Currently, he holds a 2.17 ERA, going 2-4 in 37.1 innings pitched across 38 appearances. Moreover, he has one more year under the team's control after this season and should be motivated enough to turn in good performances.

Let us know in the comments below who you think should be the Yankees' top bullpen options ahead of the trade deadline.