Now this is a fun rumor.
As the Yankees try to pick themselves up after three losses in a row (including an ugly high-scoring affair in Colorado on Tuesday night), trade rumor season has arrived. The MLB Draft is in the books, meaning front offices can focus on the stretch drive for 2016.
In Chicago, the Cubs are focused on just one thing: Winning a World Series in October and breaking a drought that has been going on since before World War I began.
With the MLB Draft in the rear-view mirror, it's time to focus on the trade market. Watch out for these big moves by August 1.
Enter the Yankees, potentially as sellers, and a bullpen that has multiple intriguing pieces for the Cubs to scout. While the idea of Chicago landing one of Andrew Miller, Aroldis Chapman or Dellin Betances was logical, the latest report on the Cubs interest in Yankees reliever is downright scary—at least for the other National League contenders.
According to Phil Rogers of MLB.com, the rumors aren't just true; they've been understated. Chicago doesn't just want one of the Yankees arms. They want Chapman and Miller, per Rogers' story:
Yes, Miller and Chapman in the same deal. I'd guarantee you that the Cubs will at least explore that, assuming the Yankees get to the point where they are willing to make them available.
Rogers goes on to explain the desperation from Cubs ownership, Theo Epstein's history with Miller and how the club could sure up it's only weakness by adding two impact players.
From the Yankees perspective, Miller-for-Kyle Schwarber may have been off the table and Jorge Soler could be possible, but it's hard to imagine much off limits if New York includes both—which means keeping Miller and/or Chapman away from other NL contenders like the Nationals and Giants.
If the Yankees become sellers at the trade deadline, here are prospects that should be targeted in potential deals.
Buckle up, Yankees fans. The team doesn't sell often, but when they do, big possibilities apparently do exist.
