The Chicago Cubs and Chicago White Sox pulled off a surprising trade Thursday, as the Cubs landed SP Jose Quintana in exchange for four prospects. The New York Yankees were among the teams interested in Quintana, but now that he's off the market, what does it means for the Yankees trade deadline plans?
The Starting Pitching Market Is Even Thinner
With Quintana off the market, the top arms who could be dealt are Sonny Gray of the Athletics and maybe Gerrit Cole of the Pirates. But after those two (who will demand a high return - more on that below), the top arms are guys like Jason Vargas of the Royals, Jaime Garcia of the Braves or perhaps someone like Edinson Volquez of the Marlins. Those aren't the best options and the last three lack the long-term control like Quintana (which helped his price stay high). The Yankees are winning now, but they're still built for the future. It doesn't make a ton of sense to sell the farm for a lesser player/rental.
The Asking Prices Will Remain High
The Yankees had talks with the White Sox about Quintana, but Chicago wanted far too much. The White Sox wanted at least one of the Yankees' top prospects in Gleyber Torres or Clint Frazier, so the Yankees correctly passed on a deal. The Cubs were willing to give up two of their top guys, but that means the asking prices for the top arms (guys like Gray and Cole) are going to remain very high. It also means that in a seller's market, lesser pitchers will still be pricey. That doesn't set up well for a Yankees team that wants pitching, but appears committed to not giving away what is a strong farm system.
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The Yankees Could Look Towards Other Positions
With the starting pitching market on the pricey side, perhaps the Yankees will look at other positions. They could target bullpen help, where they are more options. It's a deep market, which could reduce the cost of set-up men like the Phillies Pat Neshek or the Royals' Kelvin Herrera. Throw in numerous closers for lesser teams the Yankees could convert to set-up men and it's clear the price for bullpen arms is much cheaper.
There's also the need at first base, with Greg Bird unable to stay healthy. Justin Bour of the Marlins (who are going to sell this deadline) is one option and if the Yankees wanted a pricey rental, Eric Hosmer of Kansas City could fit that bill. Yonder Alonso of the Oakland As is having a breakout year, although he is also a rental.
Third base is also an option, with rental players like Todd Frazier at the top of the market.
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