Yankees Rumor Roundup: What’s likely and what’s not

The Yankees, as we move to the final week before the non-wavier trade deadline, are in the middle of almost every hot rumor circulating the majors. Here’s a review of what’s on the front burner.

The Yankees are looking to add a proven major league starter to their staff. It’s not a secret. If they can add a first baseman as well, they’ll take it. But with the additions of David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle, the bullpen is one of the best in the league, even if Aroldis Chapman never fully recovers from whatever is ailing him.

Starting pitching, of course, is always at a premium and when a big name is known to be on the block, the phones light up with potential suitors calling to offer a dowry. Nothing that matches the frenzy over Chris Sale is expected now, but it could get close. Here’s where the Yankees stand (or sit) at the moment.

Justin Verlander

The Detroit Tigers are in a sell mode. They’ve already dealt J.D. Martinez to the Diamondbacks, and the rumor mill now has them also listening to offers for Justin Verlander. And more specifically, a deal that is tied to the Yankees and Jacoby Ellsbury.

Both Verlander and Ellsbury have outlandish money owed to them, which oddly makes the deal not only feasible as a wash for both sides but from the Yankees perspective, it’s also an opportunity to grab one of the elite pitchers in baseball.

Verlander can bring it up there at 97 in the seventh inning as he did last night in a no-decision versus the Royals. A pitcher’s pitcher, Verlander reminds of CC Sabathia in the way he has made the adjustment from being a guy who would save his 99 mph fastball for the eighth inning just for hee-haws to a pitcher who lets hitters get themselves out with no pomp and circumstance.

Unloading Ellsbury would give the Yankees the option to not send Clint Frazier down when Aaron Hicks returns and flexibility for Joe Girardi to provide more days off for Brett Gardner.

Deal Possibility: Fair   

Yu Darvish

Texas will decide by the end of this week if they are going to trade Darvish. Wins and losses will determine which way they go. Interest in Darvish has picked up substantially since yesterday when the Dodgers entered the picture following the news that Clayton Kershaw will miss at least the next 4-6 weeks with a back injury.

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Houston has always been in the mix, but the fact that they’re in the same division as the Rangers slims the chances of Darvish heading there. But on the other hand, by trading Darvish the Rangers are cashing in their chips for this season, so why would they care if they have to face their former player once or twice.

For the Yankees, the question is simple. Do they want a rental for the next two months? Because unless they are pretty sure they can sign him as a free agent, he will be gone, as will the players they give up for him.

Darvish can make a difference and having him available to start Game One in the playoffs is attractive. But if the Dodgers really want him, they’ll get him.

Deal Possibility:  Negligible

Sonny Gray

Billy Beane will set the bar high for anyone who wants the services of his ace. And he’ll get a good return because Gray warrants it.

This is the deal the Yankees need to make. Gray is often called the Mystery Man because he throws pitches he can’t even imagine or define. Known to experiment with different grips, his pitches dive, dip, and sail – but only in the zone. He’s amazing to watch.

Of all the pitchers mentioned here, Gray clearly has the most upside. Like nearly all pitchers, he’s had injuries, the most severe of which is in his past. And after a rough recovery season last year, he’s battled back, looking ever more dominant in each of his starts this season.

Again, the competition for his services is severe, and the Yankees will need to move quickly.

Deal Possibility:  Good

Recap

The Yankees have a clear choice to make in the next few days. They can go for a wash in salary by pushing Detroit to take Ellsbury for Verlander while giving up little or nothing from their farm system.

Next: Here's another view from one of my colleagues

Or, they can take the plunge and go all in on Gray trading one prospects for a future ace who would join Luis Severino in giving the Yankees a legitimate one-two punch that could compete with any team in a short series.

You probably guessed where I’m going with this. It’s Sonny Gray. Get him, Brian.