The NY Yankees are expected to add a pitcher at the trade deadline and names like David Price, Cole Hamels, Jeff Samardzija, Mike Leake and Craig Kimbrel are potential options for Brian Cashman, as he would like to add some depth in the rotation behind Masahiro Tanaka CC Sabathia, while the bullpen could get a boost ahead of Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances.
The Yankees have been leading the AL East for most of the season and they are looking playoff bound as the schedule heads into the end of July. The team reportedly is interested in adding a pitcher, but GM Brian Cashman has said that the Yankees are not looking to unload their high class prospects. Joel Sherman at the New York Port reports that the team is likely to make a move and executives around the league think that the Yankees will add a middle of the rotation starter.
Cole Hamels has been mentioned in connection to the Yankees and while the team has talked with the Phillies, the team is not looking to give up Aaron Judge or Luis Severino in deals. The Yankees likely are out of the Hamels mix if they don't' want to give up at least one major prospect, as Jayson Stark at ESPN reports that teams are "improving" their offers for Hamels. ESPN and CBS Sports report that the Dodgers and the Rangers are looking like the favorites for Hamels right now.
Hamels is signed for a few more years and that could cause the Phillies to ask a higher price over rental players on the market. Johnny Cueto was traded to the Royals and that could set up the Tigers for a move, as Price is also headed into free agency and could be traded. The Tigers are still debating whether to sell or not and if they do, Price could be moved to a contender. Sherman writes that rival executives believe that the Yankees will make a trade to add depth behind Masahiro Tanaka, who has been very good this season but has also dealt with shoulder issues.
Sherman writes that Price likely could be had for a deal with Ivan Nova and a prospect, while Jeff Samardzija also could cost about the same. The Yankees likely would be more willing to give up secondary prospects in a deal for a pitcher and that makes Price as well as Mike Leake better options than Hamels. Leake is also a rental player and he could be a fit, as the Reds are looking to deal him after trading Cueto. The Yankees could use more depth and Leake could slot in easily as a third or fourth starter.
The Yankees could be an option for Price, as they could consider signing him in the offseason, but Hal Steinbrenner is not looking to add a major salary, even in the offseason. Bringing in Price would be a huge move and could make the Yankees the favorites in the AL. The Royals are the favorites now after adding Johnny Cueto and the Dodgers are considered the favorites to land Hamels. The Phillies are likely trading Hamels and ESPN reports that a deal could happening the next day or two.
Check here for more on the Yankees potential deadline deals.
