Sonny Gray is one of the most coveted starting pitchers on the trade market. With the Oakland Athletics being considered “sellers,” it’s possible the club elects to trade their ace prior to the July 31 trade deadline.
The Yankees, who are definitely looking to add starting pitching, appear to be very interested in acquiring Gray. The 27-year-old fits what the Yankees are looking for — a young starting pitcher who is under club control until 2020.
a’s have named their price on sonny gray from yankees. nothing said close yet.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 20, 2017
According to Jon Heyman of FanRag Sports, the Athletics have told the Yankees their asking price for Gray. The players that the Athletics would want in return have not been announced, and Heyman also reports that no deal is close just yet.
However, an interesting development could give some insight as to which players the Athletics are looking at.
Oakland A’s Asst. GM and Director of Player Personnel, Billy Owens, is here in Trenton tonight. #Yankees
— Matt Kardos (@mattkardos) July 20, 2017
Matt Kardos of MLB.com reported that the A’s are scouting the Yankees minor league system on Thursday night. Kardos notes that Billy Owens, the club’s assistant general manager and director of player personnel, is in attendance at Double-A Trenton’s game at Arm & Hammer Park.
A player that the A’s could be looking at is shortstop Jorge Mateo, the Yankees No. 3 ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline.
Since being called up to Double-A, Mateo has been on an absolute tear offensively. In 20 games, Mateo has posted a slash line of .357/.438/.619, and has seen playing time at shortstop, second base, and in centerfield.
Mateo would provide the A’s with a young talent who possesses a lot of speed and versatility. Adding Mateo would be a nice piece for a team who is currently going through a rebuild process.
Gray would be a perfect fit for the Yankees, as they look to add starting rotation depth for their playoff run this season. The 27-year-old is a young, controllable starter who could be an impact player for the Bronx Bombers for years to come.
Continue to follow the Bronx Pinstripes team for all the latest news and updates surrounding the New York Yankees. We will continue to provide updates on all the latest Yankees trade rumors as the trade deadline approaches.
