The New York Yankees have been sniffing around at a lot of potential trade deals as the MLB offseason kicks off, but have yet to take anything too seriously. According to general manager Brian Cashman, finding a solid pitching starter along with rotation help is a priority for the Yankees while they might also aim for infield depth. With high-priced contracts not wanted, trades are the best moves to make in order to improve, but will the Yankees really pull the trigger on some marquee deals?
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Yankees have eyed a trade deal for Starlin Castro as both Brett Gardner and Ivan Nova become available in trade deals, but they are unlikely to chase the infielder of the Chicago Cubs. Instead, the Yankees appear to be sticking with Rob Refsnyder and Dustin Ackley as their infield next season despite their struggles in 2015.
George A. King of the New York Post is reporting that while Ackley and Refsnyder do not spell out championship in 2016, they fit the need for the Yankees in the short-term. King reports that the Yankees would rather upgrade their starting pitching rotation than seek a big deal for infield help. The Yankees have been linked to several big names, but no one appears to fit their budget. Daniel Murphy and Ben Zobrist are too expensive. That leaves players like Howie Kendrick or Chase Utley who are not overwhelming options and not necessarily better upgrades than what the Yankees have already.
With the Castro deal and other free agent signings falling flat, Refsnyder and Ackley could be the 2016 options. That leaves the Yankees searching for pitching instead. If a starter is what the team wants, Shelby Miller is the best available. The Atlanta Braves continue to shop the starter along with Julio Teheran as they rebuild. Would Atlanta want Nova or Gardner. Neither player fits what the Braves are chasing which is youth, but the Yankees could add in a prospect to sweeten the deal up.
According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN.com, the Yankees could also eye Wei Yin Chen as an option in a deal with the Baltimore Orioles. Cashman has made it clear the Yankees will not be chasing David Price, Johnny Cueto or Zack Greinke in free agency. The Yankees want manageable contracts in order to have more flexibility in 2017. Trades for Chen or Miller might be their best bet to upgrade the rotation.