Since both players will be free agents at the end of the season and are not expected to resign, the Yankees are sending Phil Hughes and Joba Chamberlain out onto the trade market – according to an AL executive.
The source told FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal that New York is “aggressively pushing” both pitchers, with a deal involving Joba possibly coming soon to a National League team. Recently, the Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants have expressed interest in the 27-year-old reliever, according to reports.
While the Yankees are talking on both players, nothing resembling a deal is close. The organization has Michael Pineda waiting in the wings down in the minors, possibly filling a role in rotation or bullpen – which would make Joba expendable. With a struggling offense and the lack of any significant righty bats, Hughes could fetch that chip that GM Brian Cashman has been looking for. Now that Ivan Nova seems to have found himself – for the time being – “homer-happy” Hughes could be a valued commodity for a contending team that plays in a spacious ballpark, looking for arms for the dog days of summer.
However, both players have seen their fair share of failures this season which has decreased the likelihood of a deal somewhat. Also, players in contract years who are not guaranteed to sign with their new team aren’t heavily desired – especially from non-contenders.
Once seen as top prospects and the future of the Yankees organization, we may be seeing Phil and Joba head out the door as the July 31st trade deadline approaches.
AL exec: “Yanks aggressively pushing Joba, Hughes. Joba could happen soon to NL team.” Source says #Yankees talking on both, nothing close.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 10, 2013
