The New York Yankees acquired Starlin Castro during the winter meetings, but their pitching still needs help before 2016. The team did acquire their upgraded infield which was a big need, but getting help in the rotation is now a top priority. However, how the Yankees will go about that is anyone's guess. The Yankees are favoring trades over contracts which means they might have to get rid of a few big names soon.
UPDATE: Cueto has signed with the Dodgers.
According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN.com, the Yankees are likely to continue shopping Brett Gardner and Andrew Miller to teams for pitching help. General manager Brian Cashman told the media that the team is certainly not done dealing just because the winter meetings are over and Miller along with Gardner are the two likely trade targets.
"It is still incomplete," Cashman said, via ESPN.com. "We are addressing areas of need, without a doubt. There are still steps in the process that I would like to take. I think [hitting coach] Alan Cockrell is loving me, and I think [pitching coach] Larry Rothschild is not liking me. Alan probably has a nice Christmas card coming, and I'm getting coal from Larry right now. I'm intending to do more."
Miller told the media that he does not want to be traded. The Associated Press is reporting that Miller wants stability and does not want to be sent packing. However, he might not have a choice in the matter as he is a top asset for the Yankees. With Rob Refsnyder and Luis Severino seemingly not available, Miller and Gardner are the best options. So who could the Yankees acquire in a deal?
According to CBS Sports' Jon Heyman, the Yankees want a starting pitcher for Miller. They have talked to the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros about a potential deal, but so far nothing has progressed. The Yankees were also linked to deals for Julio Teheran and Jose Fernandez, but both the Braves and Marlins have denied that either pitcher is available.
Will the Yankees be forced to sign someone off the market. With doubt around CC Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka and Ivan Nova, New York needs a solid arm for help. Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake remain solid available options, but costly ones. James Shields is also hanging around with the Padres as a trade option. The Yankees cannot afford to wait around to sign another pitcher. They would be wise to make a signing or trade soon.
