Outside of Shelby Miller, Jose Fernandez is the most popular name on the MLB trade market. The 23-year-old pitcher is reportedly gaining a lot of interest on the market as many believe the Miami Marlins are ready to be sellers during the MLB Winter Meetings. While the team is remaining coy about his availability, could the New York Yankees be a team emerging as an option for a trade?
For what it is worth, Miami Marlins team president Michael Hill is making it clear that Fernandez is not available. Now while Hill making that declaration, both Jayson Stark and Buster Olney from ESPN are reporting that at least four teams have come forward interested in the young pitcher meaning the Marlins might be forced to trade regardless. With a 22-9 record in 47 starts with a 2.40 ERA, Fernandez is a hot commodity and if available, the Yankees would be very wise to make a run at him. According to Olney, the Yankees, Astros, Diamondbacks and Dodgers are all in play right now.
Fernandez fits all of the requirements in what the Yankees are looking for this season. He is young and controllable past this season. The Yankees need pitching and he is the upgrade that could get them past the struggles of CC Sabathia and health issues of Masahiro Tanaka. The issue is that Fernandez will cost the Yankees someone they are unlikely willing to give up.
According to ESPN's Andrew Marchand, Fernandez could cost New York someone like Luis Severino or Greg Bird. Both players have been ruled untouchable by general manager Brian Cashman. The Braves tried to pry Severino in a deal and were declined. The Marlins want players ready to contribute now and both of them fit the bill. Aaron Judge could be an option as well while throwing in someone like Andrew Miller to offset contracts. That would give Miami a young star and a pitcher ready to go on Opening Day.
Given the struggles of the team's starting pitching rotation, Fernandez is the perfect addition. If the Yankees are unable to acquire him, there are other options. The Atlanta Braves have made both Shelby Miller and Julio Teheran available in trade deals. Miller was dealt to the D-Backs. Chris Sale could be another player available at the right price. Everything depends on what the Yankees are really willing to give up and how badly they deem a starting pitcher necessary to add this offseason.
