MLB Rumors: New York Yankees likely out on David Price, Jeff Samardzija?
By Hayden Kane
The New York Yankees might make a blockbuster trade yet this summer. General manager Brian Cashman was quite open recently to the fact that he expects to make some trades between now and the July 31st deadline. But if they do make a headline-grabbing deal, it might not be for an ace pitcher.
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That’s not to say that the starting rotation isn’t an area of need for the Yankees. It is actually a glaring need. It just so happens that at least two of the biggest name pitchers, David Price and Jeff Samardzija, will likely be out of reach for the Yankees.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post explains:
"Indications are they cannot go to the top of the available-starter food chain. Tampa almost certainly would not trade David Price within the AL East. And outside executives say the Cubs must obtain a close-to-the-majors, high-end starting pitcher as the key piece of a trade for Jeff Samardzija and — without involving a third team — the Yanks cannot provide that element."
Some people do wonder about the possibility of the Rays trading Price in the division, though he would probably cost the Yankees something well beyond what it would other teams. Realistically, it sounds like the Yankees might seek more modest deals than what it would cost to get either of these guys.
One other possibility if they did want to go big, however, would be Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher Cliff Lee (pending good health). That might cost just as much in terms of players and even more in terms of dollars, but then again, the Yankees might feel that their hand is forced to do something major depending on what is happening around them. If they do, it likely will not be for Price or Samardzija.