Yankees and Twins Rumored to be Interested in Package Featuring Marcus Stroman and Ken Giles
By Brendan Azoff
The Toronto Blue Jays may be out of the playoff race, but things aren't all bad in Toronto. The rebuilding side has two of the most coveted trade assets on the marekt in Marcus Stroman and Ken Giles.
Many teams will be interested in adding the confident young starter and the veteran reliever, whether it be a package featuring the pair of them, or via an individual deal. The New York Yankees and Minnesota Twins are expected to be active at the deadline, and according to TSN's Scott Mitchell, both teams have interest in the pair of Jays' hurlers.
An interesting tidbit I’ve heard is both the Yankees and Twins have inquired about a Stroman/Giles package.
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) July 8, 2019
I’m sure Ross Atkins would prefer to maximize the returns separately, however.#BlueJays
Toronto may be able to collect a bigger haul if they deal each pitcher individually, so perhaps they'll pursue that option. Adding as many talented prospects to the mix is priority No. 1 for the Jays.
The Yankees have a loaded farm system and could offer the Blue Jays valuable assets in return, so the chatter of a mega deal between the two division rivals may not be out of the question yet. New York has long been linked to Stroman, so the intrigue is obviously there.
The New York Yankees, Houston Astros and San Diego Padres have had scouts in Toronto to watch Stroman. Boston, who are in town themselves are keeping tabs on Ken Giles.
— Andrew PK (@APKLimitless) July 3, 2019
As for the Twins, they find themselves in a position very few saw coming, and the addition of bullpen help would boost their chances at beating the elite teams in the American League.
Let the bidding war commence, as the Twins and Yankees will be in hot pursuit of the pair of pitchers, while other contending teams also stand to enter the mix.