The New York Yankees have pitching issues. Yes, the team has Masahiro Tanaka who is dominating in his first season in the major leagues, but injuries are taking their toll on the remaining players in the rotation, leaving the team trailing the Toronto Blue Jays in the rankings. After an offseason of big money spending, that is not ideal for the Yankees. With the trade market heating up, does New York make a move for a marquee player in the next few weeks?
Right now, the Yankees have CC Sabathia, Ivan Nova and Michael Pineda all injured. Sabathia could be out for multiple months and the lack of pitching depth is starting to show. The Yankees have been forced to play Vidal Nuno, David Phelps and Chase Whitley as the 3, 4 and 5 starters. While all three pitchers have shown signs of being quality, neither are going to get New York a World Series. in order to get back into contention, they must trade for someone.
New York is not afraid to make splashy moves and they certainly are not afraid to spend money, so really no starting pitcher is out of their reach as long as they are available. New York does not have many assets they can include in a deal, but an abundance of outfielders and some youth in their farm system that could work in their favor.
The best option for the Yankees is Jeff Samardzija. The Chicago Cubs pitcher is the best in baseball and currently wasting away on one of the league's worst teams. He has already announced his intentions to test the market when his contract expires, making a trade necessary for the Cubs. Getting an arm like Samardzija immediately puts the Yankees as the team to beat. His lack of an injury history means the Yankees would have an arm to guide them through October and rival the rest of the American League.
The Yankees could try for David Price. The Tampa Bay Rays pitcher is signed to a one-year deal and will likely test the market when the time comes. Plenty of teams have attempted to trade for Price this offseason and the Rays denied every deal. It seems unlikely they would agree to something now, especially with an American League rival.
The last option for the Yankees could be Jason Hammel. He is another pitcher wasting away on the Cubs roster. Hammel will be a quality arm, but is no better than the three pitchers on the disabled list. He could challenge for a spot and give New York rotational depth, but would likely be the team's third option if deals for Price or Samardzija sour.
The Yankees could package a deal including Ichiro Suzuki or Zoilo Almonte along with young arms. With Jacoby Ellsbury playing well. Suzuki is fighting for field time. The Yankees could also pull someone like Mason Williams from the farm system to deal for a pitcher.
