MLB trade rumors: 5 moves the Yankees should make

May 8, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; New York Yankees left fielder Brett Gardner (right) reacts with right fielder Aaron Hicks (31) after hitting a home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the eighth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 6, 2017; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) delivers a pitch against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Trade for an ace

The Yankees are less than a full year removed from blowing up their roster at the trade deadline. That should have signaled a full rebuilding year in 2017, but they are exceeding expectations by the widest of margins. If their hot record holds into July, management is going to have to have a serious conversation about how far in to go on this year’s team. They do have the prospects in the minors to acquire a legitimate number-one starter if the front office feels strongly enough that this 2017 team can contend for a World Series.

Some of the names the Yankees could target include Gerrit Cole, Jose Quintana, Johnny Cueto (who the San Francisco Giants should consider trading if they have even the slightest inkling his opt-out clause will be exercised), Julio Teheran, or Yu Darvish. Who becomes available will depend on how the next few months of baseball play out, but the most intriguing name to watch is Darvish. The Texas Rangers were expected to battle for the AL West crown, but are buried in last place by five games.

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The Yankees have the prospects in place to acquire any one of the aces mentioned above. With restrictions and punishments being scaled back for signing free agents, the Yankees will not have to be so protective of their prospects. If the Yankees are able to pull off a trade for an ace, that could seal the deal on their status as legitimate contenders this year.

Cashman and the front office will have to be blown away by the team’s play the next two months before they go all-in on 2017. It’s going to take more than contending for a Wild Card to get them to blow up the farm system.

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