New York Yankees Rumors: Seattle Mariners A Trade Partner?
New York Yankees Rumors: Could the Seattle Mariners be a trade partner for the Yankees as the Winter Meetings are set to get under way?
The New York Yankees made a surprise run to the postseason in 2015, hosting the AL Wild Card game. They ultimately lost to the Houston Astros, and have a couple of holes they would like to fill on the roster. There has been a lot of chatter already as the MLB Hot Stove heats up, and now another rumor has come across the hot stove between the Yankees and Seattle Mariners.
According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, that is exactly what could be in the works. He is reporting that the Mariners have engaged the Yankees in the start of talks revolving around outfielder Brett Gardner.
Column https://t.co/YPQ8JmBvtI Cashman has said open to anything, @Mariners like Gardner, is there s deal to make? #Yankees
— Joel Sherman (@Joelsherman1) November 11, 2015
With the acquisition of Aaron Hicks from the Minnesota Twins earlier in the week, the Yankees now have some insurance in the outfield. Hicks can play any of the three positions, and would be a big upgrade defensively in centerfield. It would be an upgrade moving Jacoby Ellsbury to a corner outfield spot, meaning Gardner could be the odd man out. Because of that, it makes sense that the Yankees would listen to moving Gardner.
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Gardner is 32-years old and has three years and $38 million remaining on his contract. That isn’t a horrible contract, but is probably under market value had Gardner been a free agent. Gardner struggled in the second half of the season for the Yankees, but he is someone that would instantly upgrade the Mariners offense.
They have lacked top of the order hitters in recent seasons to set the table for the likes of Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz and Kyle Seager. Gardner can fill that hole while also add some defense to the Mariners outfield. The question for the Yankees is, what would they be looking for in return?
One of the things that Sherman notes the Yankees are looking for is some controlable starters in their rotation. There is a ton of question marks there for the Yankees, as Luis Severino is the only player that seems to come with any red flags outside of being a youngster. That is why the Mariners make sense as a trade partner, as they are willing to discuss James Paxton in a deal according to the people at MLBTradeRumors.com.
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Paxton would give the Yankees exactly what they want in a cost controlled pitcher, and also comes with the added bonus of being left-handed. The Yankees currently only have C.C. Sabathia as a left-handed starter, so Paxton would add a lot to the rotation.
There are still a lot of hurdles to go over, and no deal seems imminent. But, the Yankees and Mariners, who have made a number of trades in recent seasons, could be matched up as trade partners once again.