The Five Yankees Most Likely to Be Traded This Winter

Michael Pineda

It may seem strange to suggest Big Mike will be moved, but consider that his contract will be up following the 2017 season. Unless the front office wants to discuss an extension, they should be listening to offers on Pineda this winter.

Several teams checked in on Pineda and Nathan Eovaldi at the trade deadline, but ownership was reportedly unwilling to move the pair of young starters, believing they would be crucial to the club’s 2017 chances.

With Eovaldi out for next season, Pineda is more important to next year’s rotation than ever. Because of that, it seems like there are two situations in which he could be moved.

One, the team fully commits to a tear-down, trading off all short-term assets for prospects.  It could happen, but doesn’t seem to be in character with what Brian Cashman has been doing. With the free agent starting pitching market largely barren, the Yankees could land a hefty return for Pineda, so it might be a smart move long-term, even if it isn’t palatable to an impatient fan base.

The other, more realistic, scenario in which Pineda gets moved is as part of a larger deal or part of a series of moves. He could be an intriguing secondary piece in a larger blockbuster, or be dealt to recoup young talent if New York goes after a big fish like Chris Sale or Sonny Gray this winter.