📌 Join the BPCrew Chapter in your city and meet up with more Yankees fans! 👉 CLICK HERE

CC Sabathia’s name mentioned in potential trade pieces

Since returning to action on May 20 after a two-week stint on the disabled list, CC Sabathia has added his name to a few lists.

With an 0.97 ERA and 35 strikeouts in his last six starts, the 35-year-old veteran has the lowest ERA of all American League starters (2.20), and has allowed the least amount of runs (16), making him a potential All-Star candidate.

But Sabathia’s astonishing rejuvenation on the mound isn’t just news to the Yankees — it’s news to baseball — and the lefty’s latest bounce-back has his name circulating for the first time since 2008.

For the last three weeks, a sundry of trade rumors have revolved around Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, New York’s elite back-end closers, but Sabathia’s name is now in the mix of trade pieces, if he is willing to waive his no-trade clause, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe:

The Yankees have three premier relievers in Dellin Betances, Andrew Miller, and Aroldis Chapman, but the two lefties (Miller and Chapman) could be made available if New York falls hopelessly out of the race. And who would have thought that CC Sabathia would have value in the trade market? He’s having a very good season. Though he has a no-trade clause, Sabathia could be open to moving.

A very good season, no doubt. And with only a few quality starters on the trade market, Sabathia could provide help to a contender, if he is willing to part ways with his New York connections. But the Yankees will need to make Sabathia available first, due to a no-trade clause, and with a vesting option in 2017, Sabathia will earn $25 million guaranteed if he avoids shoulder issues or another stint on the disabled list this summer.

While the money may appear to be steep, the high-end starter market is scarce, and financial disputes could be solved by New York eating a considerable portion of his contract. But past off-the-field issues could deter teams from making a deal, and inconsistency due to injuries over the course of three seasons makes the former Cy Young winner less appealing.

There have yet to be any formal discussions between the Yankees and potential suitors for the three left-handers, but 14 teams in baseball are within seven games or less of a wild card spot, making New York’s assets even more valuable to swap if they ultimately elect to sell.