Craig Kimbrel continues to be tossed around in the trade market as the San Diego Padres are looking to be sellers at the trade deadline rather than buyers. One of the lone bright spots to the team's season has been Craig Kimbrel who is continuing to show dominance as a starter. The one name popping up around a Kimbrel deal is the New York Yankees, but is the team seriously considering a deal?
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, the Yankees could absolutely have interest in getting Kimbrel in a trade as they aim to have a dominant closing rotation heading into the latter half of the MLB season. Olney calls it a long shot, but also notes that it is not out of the question considering getting another arm is a need for New York. The Padres are willing to talk about a deal in order to help flexibility on their pay roll and Olney reports that the Yankees have made it clear they are willing to take on the contract that includes earning $9 million this season, $11 million in 2016 and $13 million in 2017.
The Yankees do not necessarily need help in the bullpen, but they want a three-headed monster heading into October. The Yankees are getting success from Andrew Miller and Dellin Betances, but adding an arm like Kimbrel would make their bullpen nearly unstoppable. It is unclear exactly what the Padres will want in return for Kimbrel. Olney reports the team is really simply looking to dump the contract and now give up too much else in return. The Yankees are looking to spend money and will not mind helping out.
If the Yankees want another closer, they have options out there cheaper than Kimbrel. Jonathan Papelbon is a name currently on the trade block as he waits for the Philadelphia Phillies to send him packing. NJ.com believes the Boston Red Sox or the Chicago Cubs are more suited to take on Papelbon in a deal but the Yankees should not be ruled out as an option. The same can be said for Aroldis Chapman who is available. The Red Sox are also eyeing the closer along with the Detroit Tigers, so the Yankees would have some competition for the role moving forward.
