Trade Deadline: New York Yankees in Full Sell-Mode with Robinson Cano on Trade Block?

Jul 10, 2013; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano (24) singles to left against the Kansas City Royals during the sixth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Debby Wong-USA TODAY Sports

If there is one bright spot in the the New York Yankees lineup this year amid the myriad of injuries and ineffectiveness, it’s Robinson Cano. Much has been made this season about his impending free agency and the defection from super agent Scott Boras to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation sports agency. There’s also been a corner of the baseball world who thinks the Yankees might trade their All-Star second baseman to help supplement their future.

According to Andrew Marchand of ESPN, teams have inquired on Robinson Cano’s availability. Marchand didn’t specifically name any teams in his piece, but it’s safe to assume that many teams would vie for Cano’s services. He possesses a rare gift of hitting for both average and power while playing at a predominately defensive position.

As for the haul, it would likely take an elite prospects along with a few good prospects to even entertain a deal. It was only a few seasons ago the New York Mets were given Zack Wheeler in exchange for an old, injury-prone, but productive Carlos Beltran, which was only for half a season. Before the season began, the Los Angeles Dodgers were rumored to be monitoring Cano’s availability throughout the year.

The 30-year-old slugger is hitting .302/.386/.531 (144 wRC+) with 21 home runs and 65 RBI, despite having little in the way of protection in the lineup this season. The hacking Cano has given way to a more patient version, as he has seen his walk rate jump from 5.6% in 2011, to 8.8% in 2012, to this year’s 11.7% in 409 plate appearances.

The Yankees currently sit in fourth place and six games behind the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. However, they are only three games out of the Wild Card chase. Much can change in the next few weeks as their upcoming schedule is brutal with stops in Boston, Texas, then back home to take on the Rays, before a West Coast trip. With how the Yankees limped into the All-Star Break, going 3-4 against the Twins and Royals at Yankee Stadium, the club might either be desperate and overpay for help or unload some of their better talent for a chance to make a better foundation for the future.