MLB rumors: 5 teams who should trade for Robbie Ray

3. New York Yankees

The Yankees are putting a consistent stamp on pitching market rumors, from Madison Bumgarner to Marcus Stroman to Trevor Bauer to Zack Wheeler. But according to Dan Martin of the New York Post, Ray seems to be rising on their list of trade targets. And as some degree of confirmation the two sides have had serious talks about Ray, Arizona has a high-level executive scouting the Yankees’ farm system.

"Tim Wilken, the Diamondbacks’ special assistant to the general manager, has been in Tampa, scouting the Yankees’ Single-A team. The Yankees and Arizona have done business in the past, such as when the Yankees acquired Brandon Drury from the Diamondbacks in spring training last year."

General manager Brian Cashman has not been shy publicly about pointing toward a big move for a starting pitcher. That may help remove a bit of leverage in trade talks. But legit World Series aspirations stand to push New York into giving up whatever it takes to get Ray, or any other notable starter there’s going to be serious competition for.