3 Aces Yankees Can Actually Trade for This Offseason
By Chris Pyo
One of the biggest stories in all of baseball was the New York Yankees' lack of depth in the starting rotation, and how general manager Brian Cashman's inability to pull off a trade deadline move for a starting pitcher came back to haunt the Yankees in the playoffs. Now, Cashman has an opportunity to rectify his obvious mistake and satisfy Yankees fans with a starting pitcher to bolster the rotation. Here are three aces the Yankees can trade for this offseason.
1. Mike Minor, Texas Rangers
This one comes with a slight caveat, as Minor actually has a no-trade clause to the Yankees, which turned off Cashman from actively pursuing Minor during the regular season. However, if there's any indication from Minor that he'd be willing to waive the clause, the Rangers' No.1 starter would slot in as a solid second or third starting pitcher for the Yanks. A bulldog on the mound, he pitched to a 14-10 record with a 3.59 ERA and a 7.6 WAR. That's the type of reliable starter that Aaron Boone needs on his staff, rather than a bunch of boom-or-bust options plagued by inconsistency.
2. Noah Syndergaard
Just imagining Thor in pinstripes is enough for any Yankee fan to demand that Cashman immediately trade for him. Sure, the crosstown rivals almost never collaborate on a trade, but the Mets may be vulnerable here especially in the aftermath of what was a rough season for Syndergaard, who had an uncharacteristically high ERA of 4.28 while dealing with a number of issues with management. If Cashman can dangle some of his prized prospects in front of Brodie Van Wagenen's face, the Mets GM might be willing to do business.
3. Trevor Bauer
Yes, Trevor Bauer threw a ball from the pitchers mound over the centerfield fence in his last act as a Cleveland Indian. Yes, he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds immediately afterwards. And yes, he had a rough year with a 11-13 record and a 4.48 ERA. But the talent is undeniable, and rumor had it that Cashman was pursuing Bauer at the trade deadline before the Reds swooped in. Who's to say that Cashman doesn't pursue him again this offseason, especially when Bauer's stock is potentially as low as ever?