The New York Yankees appear to be closing in on a deal for Sonny Gray with several teams still involved in the talks.
It’s no secret that the New York Yankees want to trade Sonny Gray. General manager Brian Cashman made that known in his end-of-season press conference. Now, it appears like the team is close to dealing the embattled starter.
Yankees are indeed close to trading Sonny Gray. Teams are also asking about Tommy Kahnle and Jonathan Holder.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 17, 2019
Yankees are working hard now on a trade for Sonny Gray. Appears to be getting more serious. Teams involved have included: reds, giants, brewers, a’s, padres, braves, mariners.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 17, 2019
There appears to be widespread interest in Gray’s services, despite his disappointing tenure in the Bronx. Jon Heyman of Fancred notes that seven teams are still interested in Gray.
The right-hander has a career 3.66 ERA, but that number was inflated by his 4.51 ERA in his two seasons with the Yankees. It’s very possible that he couldn’t handle the pressure of playing in New York and a change of scenery could help him return to his Oakland form.
It’s unclear how much the Yankees will receive in a package for Gray. But with seven potential teams in the running, the Yanks will have options at the very least.
Heyman also mentions Tommy Kahnle and Jonathan Holder as well. The Adam Ottavino signing has strengthened the bullpen and perhaps the Yankees would part ways with Kahnle or Holder for the right price.
Kahnle, 29, had a dreadful season in 2018 and his trade value has to be as low as it’s ever been. He posted a 6.56 ERA and only pitched 23.1 innings with the Yankees. He spent more time in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders than he did with the Yankees.
Holder would surely bring back a better return. He’s considerably younger, under team control through 2023, and he posted a 3.14 ERA in 2018. Holder, 25, could be part of the future of the Yankees bullpen, but perhaps a team could pry him away from Cashman for the right price.
