Spencer Jones could be the one thing standing between Yankees-Marlins blockbuster

The New York Yankees are in need of pitching, and they've (in typical fashion) have been silent on trade deadline day. If history has taught us anything, the majority of Brian Cashman's lifting has been done. He rarely deals shortly before the deadline because that's when prices go bonkers. The guy isn't fun. Just the way it is.

And if we're to believe the latest rumors, don't count on the Yankees getting anybody they want (or anybody of substance). They've reportedly engaged with the Miami Marlins and asked about Sandy Alcantara and Edward Cabrera. Guess what the price was?

Spencer Jones. No kidding. Never heard that before! At least this isn't 2022 when the Marlins and Yankees already had the framework of a Gleyber Torres trade in the works before Miami pulled out the rug at the deadline buzzer.

Nonetheless, this is the reality. The Yankees do not have a deep enough farm system to get more creative in packaging prospects together for impact players. Perhaps rentals could be on the table, but there's no chance controllable star-caliber guys are attainable unless Cashman is willing to get uncharacteristically aggressive.

Yankees Rumors: Spencer Jones asking price in Marlins trade talks for starting pitchers

According to Jon Heyman, Jones is essentially off the table. Outside of the Pittsbrugh Pirates reversing course and deciding to trade Paul Skenes, the Yankees' top prospect isn't going anywhere. So ... yeah ... he isn't going anywhere.

Remember, the Marlins are now run by a former Rays executive, so there's little chance the Yankees get any sort of discount here. Cashman and Co. are better off focusing their attention on the San Diego Padres, who are reportedly looking to flip Dylan Cease and Robert Suarez to acquire more prospects to go after Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran. The Yankees can definitely make that happen.

But right now it looks like Yankees fans will take their Ryan McMahon, Amed Rosario and Austin Slater deadline and like it (with the possibility of a few middling bullpen arms making their way to New York). That won't stop anybody from holding out hope, but it's best to temper expectations knowing that the market is inflated right now.