The New York Yankees are going to be active on the trade
market this offseason if they plan to compete in 2017. Taking a look at the
free agent class doesn’t give teams much hope right now if they have a lot they
need to add and while the Yankees farm system is as strong as it’s likely ever
been the need for a trade or two will be a necessity, not a want. That brings
me to a potential trade partner for the New York Yankees. A team that has the
starting pitching the Yankees could possibly use and a team with a good working
relationship with Yankees GM Brian Cashman. I bring you the Seattle Mariners.
The Seattle Mariners may trade one or both of James Paxton
or Patrick Corbin this offseason and the Yankees very much need starting
pitching this offseason making these two teams an ideal matchup in trades this
winter.
Paxton is a left-handed pitcher that the Yankees have
coveted for a while now and while he has been injury prone as of late when he
has been on the mound he has been effective. In 2016 Paxton threw 121 innings
with a 6-7 record, 3.79 ERA and 117 strikeouts at just 28-years old. Even last year
the Yankees at least reportedly dangled Brett Gardner in a trade with Seattle
for Paxton so this is a rumor that is worth keeping an eye on. That trade
package may be revisited this winter.
Corbin on the other hand comes with a little more intrigue but a few more
question marks as well. Just three seasons ago Corbin was an All-Star for the
Arizona Diamondbacks before missing the 2014 season with Tommy John surgery.
With now two years under his belt since the surgery Corbin could be primed to
finally break out again and show teams his true health again.
Both pitchers come with concerns and history but both
pitchers are young and come with tons of upside and the possibility of being
acquired on the cheap. If the Yankees aren’t comfortable with selling the farm
for a Chris Sale or equivalent type pitcher than they are going to have to take
a gamble on someone and I wouldn’t mind gambling with either of these two arms
in Seattle.
Stay tuned.