Yankees Rumors: Trade Talks For Sonny Gray Continue As New York Waits On Manny Machado

The New York Yankees could be set to make a few notable moves at the start of the New Year. The organization is waiting on Manny Machado’s decision and continues to have trade discussions about Sonny Gray.

Several teams have shown interest in the right-hander throughout the offseason. The Milwaukee Brewers remain in the bidding for Gray, according to MLB.com's Jon Morosi. The Cincinnati Reds have been linked to the pitcher, but they appear less likely to make a deal after trading for multiple starters.

The San Diego Padres, Seattle Mariners and Atlanta Braves have also been in talks to acquire Gray this offseason.

Gray, 29, remains with the Yankees for now. General manager Brian Cashman has made it clear since New York was eliminated from the playoffs that the team plans to trade the pitcher.

“I’ve had a lot of interesting dialogue, whether it’s for prospects, whether it’s for major league, our need for their need,” Cashman said last month, via The New York Post, regarding trade talks for Gray. “Whether it’s part of a complicated, larger situation that involves prospects and major leaguers going both ways. So I think we’ve had a little bit of experience with all aspects of it.”

New York has acquired James Paxton from Seattle and re-signed J.A. Happ. That gives the Yankees a rotation of Luis Severino, Masahiro Tanaka, C.C. Sabathia, Paxton and Happ heading into 2019. Gray was taken out of the rotation in August.

The Yankees could add another starter, but it might be a pitcher that’s capable of being utilized both in the rotation and the bullpen.

Machado is probably the one remaining All-Star that has a significant chance of joining the Yankees before the start of the 2019 MLB season. New York is competing with the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies after all three teams met with the infielder.

There have been multiple reports that Machado wants to play in New York if all things are equal. That decision could be made more difficult for the 26-year-old since the Yankees are unlikely to approach the $300 million contract he’s seeking. There’s a chance Machado will get such an offer from either the White Sox or Phillies.

Machado isn't expected to sign with a team in 2018.