MLB Trade Rumors: Yankees making progress on deal for Sonny Gray

The Yankees have had Sonny Gray in their sights recently and it looks as if things are headed in the right direction.

The MLB Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching here as July comes to a close, and one of the potential deals everyone has their eyes on includes two teams from opposite coasts of the American League, the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics. As has been heavily reported as of late, with the need there for the second half of the year, the Yankees have their sights set on A’s ace Sonny Gray.

Well, it seems as if the Yankees and general manager Brian Cashman are approaching things the right way. On Tuesday, Mark Feinsand over at MLB.com reported that the Yankees are making progress toward a deal for Gray and they now seem to be the clear-cut frontrunners for his services on the mound.

Right now, the Yankees are in a heated race in the American League East with the rival Boston Red Sox, and while their lineup is fine as constructed at the moment, the need for starting pitching is definitely there as they aim for another division title. This season, Gray is 6-4 in 15 starts with a 3.66 ERA and 85 strikeouts. He would most certainly provide some help on the mound for the Yanks as they fight with the Red Sox for top position in the East.

When the deal was first being talked about, many believed the Yankees would hit a snag with the A’s possibly asking for top prospects Gleyber Torres or Clint Frazier, two players New York apparently aren’t too keen on parting ways with. However, recently it’s been said the A’s would be happy with another Yankees top prospect as part of the deal, Estevan Florial. The Yankees reportedly have no issue including him in the deal, so the inclusion of Florial and some other pieces might be just enough to pry away a new starting pitcher to throw out on the mound.

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The trade deadline is just about here, and it’s looking more and more as if the Yankees may eventually have the pitching help they need on their hands.