Here are some trades the Yankees can make to trigger everyone
3. James Paxton
We’ve reached the point on our list where we start to discuss players who the Yankees have actively discussed in trade talks this winter. They aren’t the only franchise to engage the Mariners in talks about Paxton, but New York definitely has the prospect ammunition to get a deal done.
The question is whether or not the Yankees should really pay a premium for a guy with Paxton’s injury history. That’s at least part of the reason the Mariners are willing to deal him. Paxton threw 160 innings for Seattle this season which represents the high mark for his career. He’s not a durable starting pitcher.
#Yankees among teams that have spoken to #Mariners about a trade for LHP James Paxton, sources tell The Athletic. Paxton has two years of control left and is projected by @mlbtraderumors to earn $9M in arbitration next season. NYY also on free-agent LH starters Corbin, Happ, etc.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 9, 2018
There is, however, potential upside in Paxton’s game. He absolutely has filthy stuff. There’s a reason he struck out 208 hitters this season. When he’s at his best, he’s a clear ace. If the Yankees could find a way to keep him healthy, he could turn into the ace Aaron Boone is looking for.
Paxton also has two years of team control left. That’s an attractive quality for a team that wants to keep their payroll from spiralling out of control. When you look at Paxton as a complete package, his injury history drives his price down, but his affordability drives it right back up again. Any team that swings a deal for him this winter will need to pay the Mariners a hefty price.