Yankees Trade Rumors: New York Discussed Deal For Top Second Baseman In 2018 MLB Offseason

The New York Yankees recently acquired pitcher James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners, but the two teams talked about another trade at the start of the offseason. New York and Seattle reportedly had brief discussions regarding a Jacoby Ellsbury for Robinson Cano swap.

According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Yankees and Mariners explored the idea of sending the other team the worst contract on their respective books. New York owes Ellsbury more than $42 million over the next two seasons, and Cano is set to make $24 million per year through the 2023 season.

A deal was never close to being made because the Yankees wanted the Mariners to include money to pay for part of Cano’s contract, per the report. New York likely would’ve also had to move Cano to first base or DH since Didi Gregorius and Gleyber Torres are expected to occupy the Yankees’ middle infield for the next few years.

New York would’ve had a spot for Cano in the short term. The second baseman could’ve played his normal position for the first few months of the 2019 season as Gregorius recovers from Tommy John Surgery. Torres would’ve shifted to shortstop in that scenario.

The Yankees would love to unload Ellsbury, who missed all of 2018 with hip surgery. He’ll enter next season as the team’s fifth outfielder after hitting .264/.348/.402 in 112 games during the 2017 season. The 35-year-old hasn’t hit better than .264 or had double-digit home runs since he hit .271 with 16 homers in 2014.

Cano is a year older than Ellsbury, though he is healthier and more productive. The former Yankee hit .303/.374/.471 in 2018 before being suspended 80 games for testing positive for a banned substance. Cano hit .280/.338/.453 with 23 homers in 150 games in 2017. He was an All-Star in both 2016 and 2017.

The Yankees could acquire another high-priced infielder this offseason. They are among the favorites to sign Manny Machado.

Seattle could make another significant trade this winter. Just about everyone on the roster appears to be available for the right price.