Ben Rice hit a three-run homer in the second inning after Giancarlo Stanton blasted a two-run shot in the first as the host New York Yankees raced out to a seven-run lead and recorded a 7-4 victory over the sliding Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday afternoon in the final game before the trade deadline.

The MLB Trade Deadline exposes how confident front offices are in their teams' ability to contend that season, and the New York Yankees believe they can win it all this year. New York acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies and fellow third baseman Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals over the past week to shore up its infield depth.

Hours before the 2025 MLB trade deadline at 4 p.m. Thursday, the Rockies reportedly made another deal with the New York Yankees, sending reliever Jake Bird to the Bronx. The trade came just six days after the Rockies sent third baseman Ryan McMahon to the Yankees in exchange for two minor-league pitchers.