The New York Yankees are eyeing trade deals. As general manager Brian Cashman makes it clear the team is not handing out big contracts this offseason, trade deals could be the best way the team improves their roster. Already this offseason the Yankees are getting linked to a number of deals while certain players become available this offseason.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the latest player the Yankees are shopping is Ivan Nova. With just one year left on his contract, the Yankees are reportedly making it clear that the pitcher is available in deals, but they will not be selling low on him. Sherman writes that the Yankees are aiming to package Nova in a deal to acquire another starter who can help beyond 2016. The main issue for the Yankees is the struggles from Nova this past year.
Nova was an consistent option for the Yankees until he underwent Tommy John surgery and struggled in his return from it. The pitcher put up some of the worst numbers of his career after having a 4.00 ERA from 2011 to 2013. Nova would be a good one-year option for any team, which could open up deals with teams like the Atlanta Braves. Could Nova be traded for Shelby Miller or Julio Teheran if the Yankees throw in another prospect?
Nova is not the only player available for the Yankees. According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Yankees have been in talks with the Chicago Cubs about a swap of Brett Gardner and Starlin Castro. With infield issues being a problem for the Yankees, Castro would be another body to add to the mix while allowing New York to dump Gardner's contract. Wallace Matthews of ESPN followed up the report saying the Yankees are in no rush to deal Gardner, which has stalled talks with the Cubs.
One trade the Yankees are not eyeing is a deal to re-acquire Robinson Cano. The Seattle Mariners infielder is reportedly not happy out in the Pacific Northwest and Cano would like to return to New York, but the Yankees are not biting. According to Matthews, the Yankees are satisfied with the infield platoon of Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley in 2016. Cano might want to come back to the Bronx, but the feeling is reportedly not mutual at the time.
The Yankees could stay true to their word about not chasing the marquee players this season. Cashman is denying interest in everyone from Daniel Murphy, David Price and Zack Greinke in hopes of not blowing the budget up again.