MLB Rumors: New York Yankees could look to trade Francisco Cervelli

With Brian McCann among their big additions this off-season and multiple options to back him up, the New York Yankees might be looking to trade one of their catchers.

If they were to go that route, Francisco Cervelli would be the most likely to be dealt. From Nick Cafardo:

"There appears to be a market for Cervelli on the trade front as the Yankees try to whittle their catching options and add a reliever. Austin Romine could serve as Brian McCann’s backup. But the Yankees are a little cautious on dealing Cervelli since they believe he’s the best option to start if something should happen to McCann.”"

Cervelli has been in the Yankees’ organization since 2008 but has seen very limited time at the big league level. He is a career .271 hitter, but the sample is still quite small (623 PA). Every team needs two capable catchers to survive the long season, so the Yankees might be able to get value for Cervelli from a team that is thin at that spot.

As for their return for him, the team’s biggest need would be in the bullpen. Cervelli would not fetch any world-beaters in a deal, but perhaps the Yankees could get a low upside, somewhat proven arm to eat some innings over the course of the season. The importance of that type of pitcher should not be underestimated, by the way.