New York Yankees Rumors: Five potential Bronx-bound trade options
By Paul Ashley
Brian Cashman has a history of making deals with the Seattle Mariners and another deal could be possible between the two teams during this offseason.
James Paxton still has two years of team control remaining with the Seattle Mariners, but they may look to move him while his value is at a high level. Although it may seem questionable to move an effective starting pitcher under team control through 2020, the Mariners front office previously moved Michael Pineda to the Yankees following a 9-10, 3.74 ERA rookie season.
In 2018, Paxton put together an 11-6 win-loss record alongside a 3.76 ERA, a 3.23 FIP, and a 1.098 WHIP through 160.1 innings pitched. This incredible season followed up a 2017 season in which Paxton put together a 12-5 win-loss record alongside a 2.98 ERA, a 2.61 FIP, and a 1.103 WHIP through 136.0 innings pitched.
Much like when the Yankees acquired Pineda, the price-tag would be high for Paxton. Even though there was a different general manager in Seattle for the Pineda trade, the Pineda trade may serve as a guideline for a Paxton trade.
New York failed to acquire a top starting pitcher last offseason due to their unwillingness to part with top prospects such as Clint Frazier or Miguel Andujar. However, as the Yankees needed to send out a top prospect in Jesus Montero to acquire Pineda, they would likely need to send out a top prospect such as Estevan Florial to acquire Paxton.
Although the decision to keep Andujar was a large benefit to the Yankees offense last season, if the organization strikes out on top free agent arms this offseason, will they be willing to move their top prospects to acquire top pitching this offseason? If so, Paxton would likely be at the top of their list.