New York Yankees: What Teams Want Miller and Chapman

By Mike Calendrillo | Jun 23, 2016

Jun 7, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the ninth inning at Yankee Stadium. The Yankees won 6-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

The Dodgers, Giants, and Rangers would all like to acquire the services of the New York Yankees past, and present closers.

Early last week I spoke about the Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals expressing interest in possibly trading for any and all members of the New York Yankees‘ big three out of the bullpen. On Saturday, Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports broke the news that in addition to the aforementioned clubs, there were at least three more potentially joining the fray.

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After reiterating the Cubs’ desire to acquire a power arm to reinforce the back-end of the bullpen, Rosenthal claimed the Yankees could, “in effect hold the keys to one or two pennant races.” He quickly named the Nationals, Giants, Dodgers, Rangers, and other clubs in the American League as potential bidders. Rosenthal also stated, “the Yankees could even trade both, and then sign a closer in the offseason to pair with Dellin Betances next year.”

While shipping out Chapman and Miller would most certainly net the Yankees a prime catch of upper-level minor league prospects, it would also put the kibosh on any chances of contending for the rest of 2016. Only Brian Cashman and the Yankees brass know if or when it is time to sign off on what would have to be a major haul of young, almost major league ready mega-prospects.

So what kind of return would the Yankees net from the Dodgers, Giants, or Rangers? According to Baseball Prospectus, the Dodgers have the preeminent farm system in all of baseball. Now I’m fairly certain the Dodgers wouldn’t entertain the idea of trading young phenom shortstop Corey Seager. 19-year-old left-handed pitcher Julio Urias might be next to untouchable as well.

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Well, what does that leave? And no, Yasiel Puig and his inconsistent ways are not a good fit in the Bronx. Maybe Klay Thompson’s younger brother, Trayce, who currently has 11 home runs and 27 RBI. Yes, I know the Dodgers just acquired him in the offseason from the Chicago White Sox, but like I always say, you have to give up something to get something.

Other names to potentially choose from include 2014 first round draft pick Grant Holmes and his electric right arm, a four-tool prospect drafted 4o picks later by the name of Alex Verdugo, and Cody Bellinger, a 20-year-old mountain of a man that can play both first base and the outfield.

The Texas Rangers’ minor league system to, is flush with ripe young talent. Ranked eighth to begin 2016, some outlets have them as high as number five. Nomar Mazara will probably be a mainstay in the Rangers’ outfield for the next ten years, give or take, so let’s not waste any time highlighting his attributes.

One somewhat known face that could be sent in a possible deal is Joey Gallo. During the past four years, while playing in the minors, Gallo has amassed 140 home runs and 342 RBI. His 614 strikeouts are bit concerning, but there is still plenty of time to right the ship, especially for a 22-year-old left-handed power hitter that plays third base with above average lateral movement.

There is also Jurickson Profar, who missed most of the past two seasons with an assortment of injuries. Most recently, though, after being called up to the majors during Rougned Odor‘s suspension, Profar has shown the immense hitting ability that once had him labeled as the Rangers’ number one prospect. In just 87 at-bats, Profar has 29 hits while batting .349. He is also capable of playing multiple infield positions.

Outfielder Lewis Brinson is another name to remember. A power bat with very good speed, Brinson batted a combined .332 with a 1.004 OPS through three levels of minor league ball last year. As far as pitching prospects go, the Rangers have two up and coming right-handers in Dillon Tate who was the fourth overall pick in 2015, and Luis Ortiz, a first round selection from 2014.

Then there are the San Francisco Giants. Unfortunately, this club isn’t quite stockpiled with tradeable assets, especially at the major league level. Brandon Belt just signed an extension through 2022, which locks him up in San Fran for good. Hard-throwing right-hander, Hunter Strickland could be had, as could outfielder Jarrett Parker. But at 27 years of age, these two are no longer traditional high-ceiling guys.

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As for the farm system, gone are the days of studs like Buster Posey, Madison Bumgarner, or even Joe Panik reaching the big leagues. Currently ranked at a dreadful No. 25, the Giants’ top prospects likely won’t reach the big show for at least a couple seasons. A few names to remember though include middle infielder Christian Arroyo and his plus bat, former 2014 first round pitcher Tyler Beede, and 20-year-old 2015 first round shooter, Phil Bickford.

So there you have it, options for the Yankees to choose from if they decide to deal away two-thirds of the back-end of their bullpen. All I can say is that I sure do hope the haul is plentiful.

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