The New York Yankees have been dangling outfielder Brett Gardner in trade scenarios with several interested suitors, but it doesn't appear they'll be using him to secure a long-term middle infield option like Chicago Cubs shortstop Starlin Castro.
In fact, the Yankees are reportedly setting Gardner's value so high in trade talks, they wouldn't accept Castro as the centerpiece for a deal involving the 32-year-old outfielder. However, that doesn't mean the Bronx Bomber are out on Castro. It just means they're likely saving Gardner for a rotation staple like Cleveland's Carlos Carrasco.
Via Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News:
"According to a source with knowledge of the Yankees’ thinking, the team could still be interested in Castro, who would play second base in the Bronx. The Yankees currently have the platoon of Dustin Ackley and Rob Refsnyder at second base. A source said if the Yankees are to trade Gardner, it would likely be for a starting pitcher. The Indians have reportedly shown interest in Gardner as well, setting up a possible deal to send a pitcher – Carlos Carrasco, perhaps – to the Bronx."
The Cubs appear set on Javier Baez over Starlin Castro as the middle-infield complement to uber-prospect Addison Russell. Castro has been mentioned in several trade scenarios since the end of the postseason and few weeks back, and the 25-year-old still has enough upside to intrigue teams like the Yankees even if his .296 on-base percentage in 2015 is alarming.
As for Carrasco, he went 14-12 in 2015 with a 3.63 ERA, 216 strikeouts and just 43 walks. He's entering year two of a four-year, $22 million deal.
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