Players are on the move as the MLB trade deadline is just hours away. A number of teams are trying to beef up their roster for the race to the playoffs as this trade deadline has already seen Johnny Cueto, Troy Tulowitzki and Ben Zobrist get dealt away. The New York Yankees are a team toying with the idea of making a marquee trade as general manager Brian Cashman remains hesitant to give up a lot for a rental player. Currently targeting players with lengthy contracts, is Craig Kimbrel destined to head to the Big Apple.?
The San Diego Padres are trying to be sellers at the deadline after being heavy buyers before the season started. Their year has not gone as planned leaving the team to shop big contracts at the trade deadline. Kimbrel certainly fits that bill as the closer is inked through 2017 with $28 million remaining on his contract. According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the Yankees are pursuing a potential trade for the closer despite not necessarily having a major need for him.
The Yankees are trying to build the most dominant bullpen in the league and Kimbrel would create a solid three-headed monster, but is his contract and price tag worth it for New York? The Yankees already have Andrew Miller who is excelling and Dellin Betances has proven he can be a quality closer when needed as well. However, Kimbrel is an upgrade from both. Heyman writes that the chances this deal is finalized is very slim, but with Jonathan Papelbon heading to the Washington Nationals and Tyler Clippard getting taken off the market, Kimbrel is the best available along with Aroldis Chapman.
The Yankees keep getting linked to pitching trades as they determine just how big of a need it is to get an elite arm to help with the inconsistency issues of CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova. New York rejected the price tag of Cole Hamels and have yet to take a serious look at David Price. James Shields, Mike Leake and Ian Kennedy might be the best options available.
According to Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports, the Yankees are also eyeing infield help after Zobrist was taken off the market. The team is exploring deals for Martin Prado as Stephen Drew continues to struggle at the plate and in the field. With the potential of bringing Rob Refsnyder back, the Yankees could put Prado where Drew was and have the young prospect take over second base.
