New York Yankees Trade Rumors: Johnny Cueto May Be Headed To The Yankees
According to Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, the New York Yankees have shown great interest in making a trade before the deadline of July 31 that would make their starting rotation even better than it already is.
The New York Yankees are currently pursuing the ace of the Cincinnati Reds, Johnny Cueto, and they are one of the frontrunners to acquire him, along with the Houston Astros, Kansas City Royals, and the Toronto Blue Jays. The Astros could be out of the race after having made a trade to receive Scott Kazmir from Oakland on Thursday.
JOHNNY CUETO APPEARS TO BE THE YANKEES DREAM http://t.co/Cy1g1AYU5M @RyannEliza_ @CorrieAnnebe @BestOfJohnNSuzy @howie9416 @ChicagoNJenn
— Robert Casey (@BleednYankeeBlu) July 20, 2015
All of the teams chasing Cueto are in contention to make the playoffs, which makes a lot of sense considering they all have their sights on making a playoff push in the second half of the season. The New York Yankees are in first place in the American League East, with the Blue Jays 4.5 games behind, which is definitely doable. The Royals have a significant 6.5 game lead in the American League Central, while the Astros are just two games behind the Angels in the West.
As previously reported by the Inquisitr, the New York Yankees had multiple scouts watching Cueto as he and the last place Reds took on their intra-state rival, the Cleveland Indians. Drew Silva of HardballTalk suggested that Cueto could be a natural fit with the Yankees.
“He’s used to pitching in power-friendly environments: Yankee Stadium and Great American Ball Park are second and third behind Coors Field in runs allowed for the 2015 season.”
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the New York Yankees have made top catching prospect Gary Sanchez available to be traded. The Yankees believe with Brian McCann and John Ryan Murphy, who have both solidified their position as catchers in the major league, they have no need for another catcher. Sanchez may make an interesting acquisition for the Reds in a possible Cueto trade with the New York Yankees.
Sources: Yankees discussions with Reds potential deal involves Gary Sanchez & Robert Refsnyder for Johnny Cueto & Brandon Phillips.
— Mike Ortiz Jr. (@TrustOrtiz) July 23, 2015
The New York Yankees are also rumored to be interested in other pitchers such as Craig Kimbrel, Jeff Samardzija, and Aroldis Chapman.
SOURCES: Yankees have explored deals for Johnny Cueto, Aroldis Chapman, Ben Zobrist, Martin Prado, Craig Kimbrel & Scott Kazmir.
— DYST (@DYST_Now) July 23, 2015
Johnny Cueto’s record of 6-6 does him little justice. He has a 2.79 ERA in 18 starts, but he has not been able to get many wins with the lacking offense of the Reds, which is ranked 22. With good run support, which the Yankees can provide, Cueto could shine.
Do you think the New York Yankees will make a transaction in order to acquire Johnny Cueto? If not, what other moves do you see the Yankees making before the trade deadline on July 31?
[Image Source: Joe Robbins / Getty Images]
