The New York Yankees are diving headfirst into what'll be a pivotal offseason for the franchise, and there's plenty of rumors to be had both from the trade and free agency markets. Here's the latest news & rumors you need to know:
Yankees, Chapman have made no progress towards deal
Both the Yankees and star closer Aroldis Chapman have expressed mutual interest in getting a deal done, but there hasn't been anything more to them expressing their desire. According to George A. King III of the New York Post, the two sides have yet to engage in contract negotiations:
The Yankees would like to bring free agent Aroldis Chapman’s triple-digit fastball back to The Bronx.
And the lefty closer told NY Sports Day he is very interested in a reunion with the team that dealt him to the Cubs at this summer’s trade deadline.
“I would love to be a Yankee again,’’ Chapman told the website.
While the two sides are batting eyes at each other, it’s a long way from wanting and getting a deal done. That’s especially true when some industry experts believe the price on Chapman, who turns 29 in February, could reach $100 million for five years.
“This is a business, and the Yankees know that,’’ Chapman told NY Sports Day.
New York traded Chapman to the Cubs before the trade deadline, where he helped Chicago win the World Series. However, he says he favors the Yankees because of his gratitude for the franchise "taking a chance" on signing him last offseason despite a domestic abuse allegations against him.
Chapman had a 1.55 ERA with 36 saves and 90 strikeouts in 59 games last season. It has been reported that he is seeking a $100 million deal.
Yankees to trade Sabathia?
New York is looking to continue the process of trading away their aging veterans this offseason, shown by them dealing Brian McCann and putting both Brett Gardner and Chase Headley on the trade block. Another player the Yankees are looking to deal is pitcher C.C. Sabathia, according to Nick Cafardo of the Boston Globe:
A back-end starter now, and the Yankees would have to eat some of the $25 million remaining on his deal. Nobody is going to break down Cashman's door, but Sabathia was a respectable 9-12 with a 3.91 ERA last season. There's also a no-trade provision. Possible destinations: Pirates, Angels.
New York to sign either Cespedes or Encarnacion?
One of the Yankees' biggest priorities this offseason is to add some power in their lineup, specifically at first base and in the corner outfield. They've put themselves in position to make a big splash with a free agency signing, and ESPN's Jim Bowden predicts they will land either Yoenis Cespedes or Edwin Encarnacion - or potentially both.
"#Yankees are going to get either Encarnacion or Cespedes. They may get both, and that wouldn't surprise me." - @JimBowden_ESPN
— MLB Network Radio (@MLBNetworkRadio) November 20, 2016
Cespedes hit .280 with 31 homers and 86 RBIs in 132 games last season, while Encarnacion hit .263 with 42 home runs and 127 RBIs in 160 games.
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