The New York Yankees are nowhere near acquiring the Chicago Cubs', Alfonso Soriano. However, as talks are still ongoing and the Cubs are salivating at the prospects they could pry from the Yankees, let's look at the talent rumored to move from New York to Chicago in any potential deal, as both sides try to come to an accord.
If the Soriano deal goes down, Chase Whitley appears to be the prospect certain to move in the deal. The 24-year-old right hander has spent the last two seasons in Scranton, the Yankees' Triple-A affiliate. In 2013, Whitley is 2-1 in 19 appearances with a 3.52 ERA. Whitley has pitched 38.1 innings, totaling 37 strikeouts for a K/9 Ratio of 8.7.
He seems to be just a couple of month from becoming an everyday pitcher out of the bullpen. Last season, in 41 apperances, Whitley was 9-5 with a 3.25 ERA. Ideally, the Cubs would like to obtain starters, but Whitley can help improve the Cubs' bullpen that has fallen apart following the release of Carlos Marmol. Kevin Gregg has manned the closer's role and the Cubs have received great contributions from James Russell and Blake Parker, but they are still looking for ways to upgrade their bullpen.
The Cubs are looking for one or two mid-level prospects for Soriano, as reported by Bryan Hoch of MLB.com. Here are a couple of names being passed around as both teams continue to negotiate.
In ESPN's article, Wallace Matthews has David Adams in the list of possible players to be moved by the Yankees. Adams is a 26-year-old third baseman who has played in 35 games this season. He's hitting .190 with two home runs and nine RBI.
Here is the list of players MLB Trade Rumors has as probable candidates in a trade for Soriano:
Preston Claiborne: 0-1, 2.27 ERA in 27 Games, 31.2 IP in 2013
Dellin Betances: 0-0, 6.75 ERA in 2 Games, 2.2 IP in 2011
Danny Burawa: 3-2, 3.42 ERA in 32 Games, 47.1 IP in 2013 Double-A
Tommy Kahnle: 1-2, 2.55 ERA in 34 Games, 42 IP, 11 SVs in 2013 Double-A
Shawn Kelley: 3-0, 3.44 ERA, 36 Games, 36.2 IP in 2013
We will continue bringing you updates on this trade as both sides continue to work on the deal.