A trade between the New York Yankees and Pittsburgh Pirates for starting pitcher Gerrit Cole seemed to be a matter of when, not if. In the middle of December, the Bronx was believed to be the most likely destination for Cole. This may not be the case anymore with another big market team trying to steal Cole from New York.
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Cole to the Yankees saga has been a roller coaster ride all off-season. This ride picked up steemed when Kristie Ackert and Bill Madden of the New York Post said they believe, the Pirates could center a deal around outfielder Clint Frazier and righthander Chance Adams for Cole, as well as third base prospect Miguel Andujar.
The reports of Cole heading to New York have eased up since the New Year, but yesterday a new story broke.
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Cubs Enter Gerrit Cole Sweepstakes
The Chicago Cubs have entered talks with the Pirates about a potential deal, according to Bruce Levine of CBS Chicago.
The two starting pitchers getting the most attention on the trade market are Pirates right-hander Gerrit Cole and Rays right-hander Chris Archer, and both are receiving attentions from top clubs like the Yankees and Cubs.
Cole is coming off his worst season — 12-12 with a 4.26 ERA in 33 starts - but has the upside to be a reliable front-end starting pitcher. Cole was the No. 1 overall selection by the Pirates in the 2011 draft and won't turn 28 until September. If Cole joins the Yankees, he would join a pitching rotation with CC Sabathia, Masahiro Tanaka, Sonny Gray, and Luis Severino.
The Yankees and Cubs look to be in a head-to-head battle this offseason that may transfer to the regular season and possibly the 2018 World Series.
Mitchell Renz is the Senior Writer & On-Air Host at Chat Sports. Check out his article archive and live videos on Chat Sports Facebook page. Please follow him on Twitter @MitchellRenz365.
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