The New York Yankees have been competing for first place in the AL East all season, but are still looking for that missing piece at the trade deadline to help them make the postseason. Here are three rumors you need to know:
Jeff Samardzija a "perfect fit" for New York?
The New York Yankees will likely be connected to every available starting pitcher prior to the July 31st MLB trade deadline, and Chicago White Sox ace Jeff Samardzija is no exception.
Per Jim Margalus of SBNation, "(FOX Sports Insider) Ken Rosenthal made clear this isn't a rumor, but he sees Samardzija "a perfect fit for the New York Yankees." Caveats abound -- the White Sox haven't declared that they're selling, the teams haven't talked -- but Rosenthal mentions that Jim Hendry works for the Yankees, Samardzija wouldn't be intimidated by New York, and his wife is from the area."
Samardzija has had a spotty start to the 2014-15 season, giving up 126 hits in 116.1 innings while pitching to a 4.33 ERA and 1.27 WHIP. However, he's on an expiring deal which would give the Yankees the option to audition him for the playoff push before making a decision on a potential long-term deal.
The 30-year-old righty landed with the White Sox in December via a trade with the Oakland A's.
Yankees may not address need for second baseman
According to ESPN New York’s Andrew Marchand, the Yankes may not address second base at the trade deadline because of a lack of clear upgrades on the market despite starter Stephen Drew's struggles. Rob Refsnyder has shown defensive improvement at Triple-A and could be called up to supplant Jose Pirela.
Johnny Cueto on New York's radar?
The New York Yankees reportedly sent scouts to Chicago recently to get a look at Cincinnati Reds hurlers Johnny Cueto and Mike Leake, fueling rumors that the Yankees are considering a pre-trade deadline deal for one or both of the coveted arms.
Both Cueto and Leake will be free agents after the 2015 MLB season, making them both attractive rental candidates as the Yankees continue their battle atop the AL East.
What exactly would the Yankees have to part with in order to get a deal done? Here's what the New York Post believes it may take:
"Any team talking to the Yankees would have to ask for right-hander Luis Severino and/or outfielder Aaron Judge, but it's not likely the Yankees would part with their two top prospects for a rental. However, the Reds have scouted the Yankees' system and players such as outfielders Ramon Flores and Mason Williams and pitcher Bryan Mitchell might be attractive as part of a package."
Cueto finished second in National League Cy Young voting last season and is currently pitching to a 2.84 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 104.2 innings this year.
Leake would be a mid- to back-of-the-rotation innings eater. He posted 214.1 innings last year and has proven himself a durable, consistent hand, if not exactly capable of dominance.
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