Yankees-A's Trade Rumors Heating Up
The New York Yankees and Oakland Athletic's are reportedly "closing in on a deal" according to sources around the league. The deal is centered around the Yankees acquiring starting pitcher Sonny Gray and first baseman Yonder Alonso, two positions the Yankees NEED to improve, if they want to be serious contenders, not only in the A.L. East, but in the American League in general.
According to MLB.com writer Mark Feinsand, the A's have their eyes set on getting a young centerfielder, and have significant interest in the Yankees No.5 ranked prospect Estevan Florial. Florial, who ranks as the systems third best outfielder behind Clint Frazier and Dustin Fowler, likely won't see anytime with the Yankees in the big leagues, seeing as they already have a crowded outfield (rookies Frazier, Fowler and Judge, as well as Brett Gardner (currently under contract until 2018), Aaron Hicks (contract expires this year but he is eligible for arbitration the next two years) and Jacoby Ellsbury (under contract until 2021).
The Yankees have already shown their willingness to part ways with outfield prospects. Just last week, the team traded OF prospect Blake Rutherford (45th ranked prospect in the league, 5th ranked in the White Sox farm system) as well as pitchers Tyler Clippard, Ian Clarkin and OF Tito Polo for third baseman Todd Frazier, and relief pitchers David Robertson and Tommy Kahlne.
