MLB trade rumors: Yankees’ potential targets after Jeff Samardzija, Jason Hammel trade

Print

By Brendan Kuty/NJ.com The Star-Ledger

on July 05, 2014 at 3:20 PM, updated July 05, 2014 at 5:33 PM

yankees stock

 

MINNEAPOLIS — The window’s already closing on the Yankees.

A week ago, general manager Brian Cashman said he’d like to trade for a starting pitcher as soon as possible. A day ago, manager Joe Girardi said a knee injury will likely sideline starter CC Sabathia for the rest of the season, and maybe the rest of his career.

And on Friday night, two starters the Yankees coveted — Jeff Samardzija and Jason Hammel — were traded from the Cubs to the A’s for a package of top prospects.

So, who’s left? What other arms are still available to the Yankees as they look to make up ground in an up-for-grabs American League East? (And, no, we’re not counting David Price, whom we just don’t believe the Rays would trade within the division.)

Read the captions below to find out.

MLB trade rumors: Five pitchers the Yankees could realistically obtain

1. Cliff Lee: The Phillies’ lefty might be the only true ace available to the Yankees, and here’s why: He’s coming of the disabled list (ETA, All-Star break). And he’s owed the rest of his $25 million salary this season; $25 million in 2015; and a $27.5 club option that vests if he throws 200 frames next season, according to MLB Trade Rumors. Philadelphia might be willing to take what little the Yankees are perceived