In many past Julys, general managers around the Major Leagues rubbed their hands together like a mad scientist. Why? Because they knew that GM Brian Cashman and the New York Yankees would be looking to strengthen the ball club as they made a push towards the playoffs, and hopefully, the World Series. This July, however, it’s Cashman whose mouth is watering as he looks to fleece some of the other 29 teams.
The last two seasons, particularly the current one, haven’t provided much entertainment or many wins. But have no fear, because the Yankees could quickly re-tool this team into a legitimate playoff contender. Following the law of supply and demand, the Yankees have the supplies and Cashman should be demanding top notch/ready for prime time prospects in return for the Yankees top players.
Just about everyone will be discussed. No harm comes in talking about players, even the ones thought to be unavailable. There are also a number of trade partners Cashman could work with. Here’s a look at some of them:
Chicago Cubs: At this writing, the Cubs were completing a deal to acquire left-handed reliever Mike Montgomery from the Seattle Mariners in a four player deal. Montgomery was the Cubs’ prime objective. The former first round pick of the 2008 Royals, Montgomery has a 2.34 ERA and 1.086 WHIP. Additionally, he’s produced a 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a .275 BAbip (Batting Average on balls in play).
Even with the acquisition of Montgomery, the Cubs still have to be interested in Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller. Until now, the Cubs have refused to include slugger Kyle Schwarber in any deal. But, two key years should be ingrained in the minds of every Cubs’ front office staff member’s brain. 1908 – the last time the Cubs won the World Series. 1945 -the last time the Cubs won the National League pennant.
Texas Rangers: The Rangers have been looking to add a starting pitcher, but they may need to add some offense as well. DH Prince Fielder went on the 15-day DL Wednesday with a herniated disk in his neck. Depending on an MRI and further evaluation, season-ending surgery is a possibility. The Rangers also placed Shin-Soo Choo on the DL with inflammation in his back. Choo has been bothered by nagging injuries the last few seasons. Somewhat surprisingly, the Rangers opted to call up speedy outfielder Delino DeShields rather than slugger Joey Gallo. Along with Jurickson Profar, Gallo’s name is the one mentioned most when teams talk trade with President of Baseball Operations/GM Jon Daniels.
With Fielder and Choo sidelined, there’s suddenly a team with a perfect fit for Carlos Beltran. Gallo would likely be held onto for a front-line pitcher, but Profar would be a nice pick up. Cashman should try try to poach one of the Rangers’ pitchers selected in first round of the draft. Luis Ortiz was the 30th overall pick in 2014 and Dillon Tate was the 4th overall pick a year later. Both are among the Rangers’ top 10 prospects.
Washington Nationals: Another team that wants bullpen help. While Chapman wouldn’t make sense with Jonathan Papelbon ensconced as the closer, the Nats certainly would want Miller to be their primary set up man. Cashman should demand one of the Nats’ top prospects, pitcher Lucas Giolito, or shortstop/outfielder Trea Turner. Both have been ranked in the Top 5 of all Major League prospects.
San Francisco Giants: The Giants could use a starting pitcher and bullpen help. The Yankees should dangle a combo of Chapman and Nathan Eovaldi. Or, perhaps CC Sabathia can be convinced to play near his hometown. Sabathia’s attitude at the moment is, “They’ll have to rip the shirt off my back.” So, while that doesn’t sound like he would be willing, things could change.
Among the trade chips the Giants have to offer are pitchers Tyler Beede and Phil Bickford, and infielder Christian Arroyo.
Cleveland Indians: The Indians have been mentioned as a recent possibility in the search for relief pitching. If Cashman were to complete a deal, at a minimum the Yankees should get back one of the Tribe’s top outfielders, Clint Frazier or Bobby Bradley, and pitcher Justus Sheffield.
Of course, the Yankees are not the only team that has talent to offer. Other teams and the players they are expected to try to move include:
Tampa Bay Rays: Take your pick. Starting pitchers Drew Smyly, Matt Moore, and Jake Odorizzi are all being scouted. The only way the Rays will be consistent playoff contenders would be to get some offense to help out Evan Longoria. The Rays make the same error every year; load up on pitching (never a mistake) and ignore the offense (always a mistake).
Milwaukee Brewers: In a prior column, I talked about the possibility of Cleveland acquiring catcher Jonathan Lucroy from the Brew Crew. Now that Yan Gomes is out for a couple of months, there reportedly is discussion going on. While I thought the Indians would also be a good landing spot for lefty reliever Will Smith, the Brewers have had discussions with other teams about him.
San Diego Padres: Pitcher Andrew Cashner could help out a team as a middle to back end of the rotation starter. The Padres were reportedly trying to deal him Wednesday night, prior to his Thursday start.
Colorado Rockies: Carlos Gonzalez would be a huge boost to any lineup. But there is the issue of money; the remainder of $17MM this season and the $20MM Gonzalez will earn next season. The Rockies have also gotten calls about fellow outfielder Charlie Blackmon, but that wouldn’t make a lot of sense for Colorado unless they get a big return.
Oakland A’s: Pitcher Sonny Gray and outfielder/3B Danny Valencia have been talked about for weeks. The A’s control Gray until 2020, so Exec VP Billy Beane doesn’t even need to move Gray this year. On the other hand, the A’s have cut the playing time of Valencia and veteran outfielder Coco Crisp in order to take a look at prospects.
Los Angeles: Injuries and poor performance have once against struck the Halos. There’s no point in holding onto infielder Yunel Escobar, closer Huston Street, reliever Joe Smith. and starter Hector Santiago. While it’s not feasible that all four will be dealt, the Angels need to re-tool.
Chicago White Sox: The pale hose started out 19-9 and have gone 27-28 since. They’ve pretty much played themselves out of the AL Central race as well as the Wild Card. If the White Sox decide to move a player or two, they could get a bundle back for starter Jose Quintana or closer David Robertson.
August 1 is right around the corner. We should expect to see some major moves in the next week, and Bronx Pinstripes will break them down for you.
