The NY Yankees may look to a trade to help replace Ivan Nova in the rotation and Max Scherzer with the Detroit Tigers is an extreme option, but one that could be possible, while Jeff Samardzija, Cliff Lee, David Price and Rick Porcello also could be in the mix and the Yanks can use prospects like Gary Sanchez or Jose Ramirez to get something done if they are willing to give up those young players.
The Yankees feel that they can handle the loss of Nova for now internally with Vidal Nuno and David Phelps filling in over the next few weeks, but if those young players are not effective, expect the Yankees to explore moves. The team is a playoff contender and a World Series contender and with Derek Jeter in his last season of his career, management is more determined than ever to not have a repeat of last season and missing the playoffs.
The Yankees have a number of options they can look towards and it comes after losing Nova, who was expected to be a stalwart in the rotation. Nova has improved over the past couple years and he has shown that he can be a consistent starter in the MLB, but now he will be out until at least sometime next season after getting Tommy John surgery. According to ESPN.com, the recovery from that injury can be a year to 18 months and Nova's last start he got shelled by the Rays and then was placed on the disabled list and now he will be out for the Yankees.
The Yankees likely do not want to pony up the money for Scherzer, but it could be a good move, as they will need to replace their starting pitching sooner rather than later. Nova is now done until next season, Hiroki Kuroda and CC Sabathia are getting up there in age, while Masahiro Tanaka is still in his first season and while he has been great, the team is not sure if he is ready to be a number one ace. Scherzer is pitching on a one year deal after turning down a $144 million extension from the Tigers and as a Scott Boras client, he is going to be looking for the most money.
Scherzer may get that from the Tigers, but he is placing a big bet on himself after winning the Cy Young last year and he went 21-3 with a 2.90 ERA and the Yankees could go all in this season on a deal for him. The same goes for Cliff Lee, who makes a ton of money but is a player that the Yankees have wanted for years and the Phillies might be willing to deal him this year with the way they are playing.
Jeff Samardzija and Price are also interesting options, as the Rays and Cubs could look to make deals as well. Samardzija is a solid young pitcher and the Cubs would want prospects in any deal and he is coming in after going 8-13 with a 4.34 ERA and the 29 year old looks like he is just entering his prime. The Yankees have some major decisions to make and now the rotation could end up a weakness after starting the season as a strength.
