It’s no secret that the Yankees have been actively shopping some of their veteran players on the trade market this offseason. On Monday, a new trade rumor surfaced that included a veteran player that we haven’t heard much about this winter.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees let some clubs know that Starlin Castro was available on the trade market. The Yankees have been actively shopping veterans such as Brett Gardner and Chase Headley, but this is the first reports of any trade talks including the 26-year-old second baseman.
General Manager Brian Cashman has stated that he is willing to trade anyone, so it should be no surprise that he is willing to explore trade opportunities to improve his roster. Although trade possibilities have been explored all offseason, the Yankees haven’t been able to find the right deal that would make them pull the trigger on a trade.
After emerging onto the scene as a 20-year-old prospect with the Chicago Cubs, Castro has not lived up to the early hype that surrounded him. After struggling a bit with the Cubs organization, the soon-to-be 27-year-old was traded to the Yankees, who hoped a change of scenery would be beneficial for him.
In his first season with the Yankees, Castro posted a slash line of .270/.300/.433 in 151 games. He hit a career-high 21 home runs, and spent his first full professional season playing second base.
Even though he put up solid numbers, Castro could find himself expendable. With three years and $30 million left on his contract (including a $16 million team option for 2020), the Yankees could look to move his contract to free up some more payroll space.
The Yankees also have a logjam of middle infielder talent in their minor league system. In order to get them big league opportunities, the organization will have to be creative.
With Didi Gregorius looking like the shortstop of the future for the Bronx Bombers, the Yankees could look to plug one or more of those prospects at the second base position. Prospects such as Jorge Mateo, Gleyber Torres and Tyler Wade could all be asked to switch positions to better accommodate the big league roster, which would mean Castro is the likely man out in the Bronx.
This trade rumor is definitely an interesting development. Although it’s unknown how serious the trade talks were this offseason, it’s very likely that more rumors could surface as the Yankees look to improve their team, especially at the this year’s trade deadline if the team isn’t a playoff contender.
