New York’s Nasty Negotiations: Trade Talks for Cy Young Winner Hit Roadblock
Since Gerrit Cole‘s elbow injury, the New York Yankees have been linked to every available pitcher, but former MLB executive Jim Bowden’s reporting on Sandy Alcantara should douse those hopes.
On Friday’s edition of “Power Alley” on MLB Network Radio, the former Cincinnati Reds and Washington Nationals GM said that the Marlins will receive a major-league-ready pitcher as part of a package in return for Alcantara.
That is something the Yankees simply don’t have right now.
. Their top pitching prospects are Will Warren and Chase Hampton, and neither fits the bill. Due to injuries, Warren is expected to be the Yankees’ fifth starter, leaving no extra arm to dangle in trade talks. Hampton just had Tommy John surgery, which means he’s off the table as a trade asset.
The Yankees’ rotation issues have been mounting since Gerrit Cole was ruled out for the season with a torn UCL. Luis Gil is out for at least three months with a lat strain, and Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman both have question marks after inconsistent 2024 seasons. That leaves Max Fried as the only sure thing, and even he has dealt with injury concerns in the past.
The Marlins, on the other hand, aren’t just going to give Alcantara away. The right-hander is returning from Tommy John surgery himself and is looking sharp in spring training. He is under contract through 2027 with a club option for 2028, making him a long-term asset. Miami isn’t interested in lower-level prospects or risky long-term projects.
That leaves the Yankees in a tough spot. Even if they were willing to part with a top position player like Spencer Jones or George Lombard, Jr., they don’t have the pitching pieces to build a package Miami would even consider.
