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Jason Heyward reveals insane Yankees-Braves trade that nearly went down in 2014

ByThomas Carannante|
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Gary Sanchez #24 and Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees in action against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on September 26, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 11-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 26: (NEW YORK DAILIES OUT) Gary Sanchez #24 and Aaron Judge #99 of the New York Yankees in action against the Miami Marlins at Yankee Stadium on September 26, 2020 in New York City. The Yankees defeated the Marlins 11-4. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The Yankees would’ve been very different if this trade with the Braves happened.

Those back-to-back seasons in 2013 and 2014 in which the New York Yankees missed the playoffs really got to them, huh? General manager Brian Cashman was clearly looking to do something that would shake up the entire organization based on this tidbit of information from Jomboy Media. Don’t we love trade rumors?

The company debuted its new series called “GM Files” and the first episode featured current Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward as well as former MLB general managers Bobby Evans and Jim Duquette. The three of them talked about a variety of topics, but none as significant as this wild trade that nearly went down in 2014.

Apparently, the Atlanta Braves and Yankees were discussing a blockbuster that would have turned both of their organizations upside down, especially when you realize how far so many of these players have come.

https://twitter.com/TalkinYanks/status/1336809900119371782?s=20

Wow. Heyward also noted that former third baseman Chris Johnson and former pitcher David Carpenter were mentioned in the hypothetical trade. Duquette added that Yankees prospects Ian Clarkin and Manny Banuelos were discussed in addition to the names pictured above.

MLB insider Jon Heyman revealed in 2016, when Heyward left the St. Louis Cardinals to sign with the Chicago Cubs, that these 2014 talks between the Yankees and Braves were indeed legitimate. In the end, the Yankees said no, and we think every fan is grateful, regardless of how you feel about Gary Sanchez at this point.

Check out the full episode below! It’s a must-watch.

Heyward as a Yankee would have been awesome because he’s such a talented player, but we’ll take Judge every day of the week. It’s clear the Yankees were in some sort of “win-now” approach after those two disappointing seasons given the fact Heyward, Johnson, Upton, Carpenter and Simmons were those discussed going to New York — all of whom were MLB-ready and proven talents. That would have given the Yankees two new starting outfielders and infielders.

Keep in mind these talks came after the signings of Brian McCann and Jacoby Ellsbury, both of which occurred in December of 2013, so it’s clear the Bombers were looking to really revamp everything and get back into contention in a flash.

Thank goodness the front office exercised restraint.

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