The New York Yankees do not want to spend big on free agents this offseason, but they are also not looking to sell the farm on trade deals in order to upgrade their roster. The team is looking for another starting pitcher to add into the mix while also needing help in the infield. While big-named players will certainly be tempting, so will trade deals as the offseason continues for the Yankees.
According to Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com, the Yankees inquired about Shelby Miller in a trade with the Atlanta Braves. It has been reported that over 20 teams have shown interest in the 25-year-old starting pitcher as the Braves price tag will not be cheap for Miller. Heyman proved that true reporting the Braves requested Luis Severino in a deal for Miller. Severino was a breakout star for the Yankees and one of their only consistencies in the pitching rotation. Heyman reports the Yankees immediately shot down the idea.
According to sources, Severino is off limits in deals. The Yankees refused to deal the pitcher last year and the same stance is true for this offseason. The Yankees need pitching help, but not badly enough that they will give up one of their best young prospects. Heyman reports that instead, the Yankees will offer up young arms like Ian Clarkin and Bryan Mitchell. The Braves will not be intrigued by that offer.
New York is willing to make trade deals, just not including Severino. Wallace Matthews of ESPN has reported that the team is willing to deal Ivan Nova along with Brett Gardner in deals. Neither player will land the Yankees Miller nor will it get them someone like Julio Teheran. The Braves want young players and neither Nova nor Gardner fit the description.
The Yankees could still be in talks for Starlin Castro to help the infield. According to Ken Rosethal of FOX Sports, the Yankees have talked with the Cubs about a Gardner-Castro swap. That would help the infield issue plaguing New York, but do not expect the deal to be finalized. The Yankees appear more concerned with getting pitching than replacing Rob Refsnyder or Dustin Ackley. With doubt around CC Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka and Nova, the need for a starting pitcher is greater than someone that can help at second base or shortstop.
