The Yankees could be looking to acquire a pair of Blue Jays pitchers.
New York has inquired about a potential package deal for Toronto starter Marcus Stroman and reliever Ken Giles, according to a report from TSN. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins, however, may prefer to move the pair separately, the report says.
An interesting tidbit I’ve heard is both the Yankees and Twins have inquired about a Stroman/Giles package.
— Scott Mitchell (@ScottyMitchTSN) July 8, 2019
I’m sure Ross Atkins would prefer to maximize the returns separately, however.#BlueJays
Stroman holds a 5-9 record with a 3.18 ERA in 18 starts this season. He has spent his entire six-year career with the Blue Jays.
“I’m starting to really, truly understand the business of baseball and the business of sports,” Stroman said last month, via Sportsnet. “They’ve been throwing my name around in trade talks all the time. It doesn’t seem like I’m going to be signed here to a long-term deal. It’s just something you have to come to terms with.”
Stroman has been dealing with a pectoral issue, which caused him to be scratched from his scheduled start last week.
“I love this team,” Stroman said. “I love Toronto. I love everything about the country and I’m going to continue to go out there each and every start and just compete, compete, compete. Do everything I can to limit runs.
“It seems like everyone’s saying I’m not going to be (here after the July 31 deadline). I don’t know. I’m doing everything in my power to keep that out of my head. The more (time) I spend thinking about that, the more it’s going to take away from me on the field.”
Giles has recorded 13 saves and a 1.45 ERA in 31 appearances in 2019. The Dodgers and Twins are reportedly interested in him, as well.
The Yankees entered the All-Star break in first place of the American League East with a 57-31 record. They’re expected to add at least one starter before the trade deadline and have also been linked to Zack Wheeler and Trevor Bauer.