Yankees Rumors: Signs of interest emerge in Yu Darvish

It would appear that the Yankees have at one time or another been interested in just about every starting pitcher on the market this winter. Well, you can add another name to the list, Yu Darvish.

It officially appears as if the Yankees are cooling on the idea of trading for Gerrit Cole of the Pirates. And why not, having re-signed CC Sabathia for one more season, the Yanks are longer desperate to trade a hefty helping of prospects for a tried and true starter.

But even still, general manager Brian Cashman is willing to bring a sixth starter into the mix.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Yanks are now showing interest in 31-year-old right-hander Yu Darvish. Though he wouldn’t cost anything from the farm system, Darvish will command a total salary anywhere from $80-120 million.

The four-time All-Star has already taken meetings with a number of clubs, including the Twins, Cubs, Astros and Rangers.

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If the Yankees are serious about adding Darvish to their stead of starters, and still staying below the $187 million luxury tax threshold, they likely need to shed even more salary to do so.

It was only last week that Chase Headley and his $13 million contract was dealt back to San Diego. By doing so, the club opened some breathing room to target a hot corner replacement like Todd Frazier.

The obvious choice to send packing is Jacoby Ellsbury. But between his no-trade clause and gigantic salary, it looks like Jake’s going nowhere fast.

With a number of outfield options to choose from, the Yankees could look to deal team leader Brett Gardner and his one-year, $11.5 million contract. Though this would be a very unpopular move with the fans, it would open a defensive position for either Giancarlo Stanton or Ellsbury, while also getting the team closer to their goal of securing another free agent arm.

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There’s a definite argument to be made that the Yankees don’t need a shooter like Darvish.

Considering his implosions during Games 3 and 7 of the World Series; the fact that Jordan Montgomery is still in-house and a number of soon-to-be-ready minor league arms wait with baited-breath, the front office’s intentions point to a deal for more of a proven commodity.