Throughout the offseason, it’s been no secret that the New York Yankees have been active on the trade market. According to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports and MLB Network, the Yankees have been in at least preliminary trade talks with the Cleveland Indians during the offseason.
#BlueJays, #Dodgers, #Yankees among the teams to have at least preliminary trade talks with #Indians, sources say. (1/2)
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 18, 2015
For each of 3 teams mentioned, #Indians would obtain everyday OF and part with a starting pitcher. Many scenarios in play for CLE. (2/2) — Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 18, 2015
According to Morosi, the Yankees, along with the Toronto Blue Jays and the Los Angeles Dodgers, have discussed a possible trade with the Cleveland Indians. It is likely that Brett Gardner has been mentioned in these trade talks, as recent rumors have suggested that the Yankees are willing to trade their veteran outfielder.
Although Gardner had his second half struggles this season, he still remains one of the Yankees’ most valuable trade assets. The 32-year-old is under contract through the 2018 season, and has a $12.5 MM team option for 2019, so his club control could be appealing to a team looking for outfield help. Gardner is also a very good defensive outfielder, and is known to be a great clubhouse guy.
If a deal was to occur, Morosi has mentioned Carlos Carrasco and Danny Salazar as possible candidates to be dealt by the Indians. The Indians have a surplus of starting pitching, and it appears they are willing to trade away one of their quality arms to acquire an everyday type of player.
Carrasco, like Gardner, is under club control until 2018, but with team options, the 28-year-old could be under contract until the end of the 2020 season. He had his best big-league season in 2015, as he posted a 14-12 record with a 3.63 ERA in 30 starts. His 183.2 innings pitched and 216 strikeouts this season were also career-highs for the right-hander.
Salazar is a player who could draw a lot of interest from numerous teams. The Dominican Republic native is only 25-years-old, and won’t be arbitration eligible until after the 2017 season, as the earliest he could hit the free agent market is after the 2021 season. In 30 starts this season, the right-hander posted a 14-10 record with a 3.45 ERA, striking out 196 batters in the process.
This is an interesting rumor, as this type of deal could definitely benefit both parties. With the Yankees recent acquisition of Aaron Hicks, Gardner could be expendable, as the team searches for creative ways to bolster their roster for the 2016 season and beyond.
