Yankees and Diamondbacks Could Ignite MLB With Robbie Ray Trade

MLB's indefinite suspension could not have been made official at a worse time. It's one thing for baseball fans being forced to reckon with a delay of the 2020 regular season. Having to do so while quarantined and without any significant news breaking is an entirely different level of cruel.

Given this unconventional extended offseason -- if you can even call it that -- there really is no better time for general managers to conjure up some potential trades.

New York Yankees GM Brian Cashman is normally one of the most active executives in the league, and it would be smart of him to inquire about Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Robbie Ray, who's long seemed destined to join the Yanks, one way or another.

The Yanks tried to make a move for Ray at last year's deadline, but the Diamondbacks' asking price was simply too steep to adhere to. Per reports, Arizona was asking for Clint Frazier, Clarke Schmidt, and two additional prospects. Cashman is certainly audacious, but he's not a moron.

The D-Backs clearly want something substantial in return for Ray, but they shouldn't be asking for a haul for a hurler who owns a career 4.11 ERA in 790.2 innings of work, and will hit free agency next year.

Therefore, the Yankees could include right-hander Luis Medina, who ranks as the club's No.10 prospect, according to MLB.com. New York could even throw in their No. 14 prospect, right-hander Miguel Yajure.

The Diamondbacks reportedly aren't holding extension talks with Ray, so the team doesn't have great leverage here. That, paired with his struggles in 2019, should lead to the Yankees being able to acquire the former All-Star for two top-15 prospects.