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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 starting pitchers the Yankees can target to fix their rotation

By Rucker Haringey

HOUSTON, TX - MAY 11: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - MAY 11: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers pitches in the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on May 11, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 08: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants watches the action during a game against Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Giants 4-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 08: Madison Bumgarner #40 of the San Francisco Giants watches the action during a game against Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on May 8, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Phillies defeated the Giants 4-2. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

1. Madison Bumgarner

The talented southpaw hasn’t thrown a pitch yet in the 2018 season but that doesn’t matter. If he shows any modicum of health and the Giants are willing to move him, expect the Yankees to make a significant offer for his services.

In terms of his health, Bumgarner “feels normal now” and is slated to start his rehabilitation in the minors this week. San Francisco won’t rush him back to the majors, but they’d love to see him back in the Bay area sooner rather than later.

The team’s willingness to move him this season will probably depend on where they sit in the standings when he returns to their rotation. Currently, they’re just two games behind the Rockies for the NL West lead. If they stay in contention, Bumgarner will almost certainly stay put.

If they start to fade, the Giants are going to have a tough decision on their hands. On one hand, Bumgarner is an unquestioned ace. They also have a team option that can keep him in San Francisco for another season at $12 million. That’s a bargain salary for a pitcher of his quality.

On the other hand, there will be teams willing to offer multiple top prospects for his services this year. If the Giants don’t feel like they can re-sign him in 2020, they might be best served to deal him now. Waiting until he’s a true rental next summer could cost them a valuable prospect.

Next: 5 stars the Yankees can acquire via trade

The Yankees have the sort of farm system that should really interest the Giants. Cashman has the firepower to make a compelling offer for Bumgarner. If he becomes available, the Yankees will make a big move to bring him to the Bronx.

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