MLB trade rumors: Giants high on Yankees pitching prospect

by Felix Pantaleón

The Giants are high on Yankees pitching prospect Albert Abreu, a source tells NJ Advance Media. Abreu is the Yankees’ No. 3 overall prospect, according to MLB.com

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The Giants got a look not long ago at the lower levels of the Yankees‘ farm system and came away impressed with righty pitcher Albert Abreu, a source with knowledge of San Francisco’s personnel decisions told NJ Advance Media.

The source spoke on the condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to speak publicly.

The source said “if you squint hard,” there are shades of Yankees ace and two-time All-Star Luis Severino in Abreu, but added that his control issues are a concern.

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Abreu, who turns 23 on Sept. 26, is Baseball America’s No. 79 overall prospect. MLB.com ranks him No. 60 and No. 3 overall in the Yankees’ system, behind outfielder Estevan Florial (No. 1) and lefty starting pitcher Justus Sheffield.

Abreu, whose fastball has touched triple digits, is 3-3 with a 4.28 ERA in 10 starts at High-A Tampa this year. He’s struck out 9.7 batters per nine innings while walking 4.3 of them.

Abreu has been on the disabled list since June 30 and hasn’t pitched in a game since June 28.

With the July 31 trade deadline approaching, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has said he’s been in contact with many teams regarding starting pitching.

Recently, USA Today’s Bob Nightengale reported the Giants let the Yankees know righty starter Jeff Samardzija (1-5, 6.25 ERA) is available, but San Francisco put him on the disabled list with shoulder inflammation Sunday.

The Giants — four games out of the National League West and the Wild Card — could still be looking to bolster their major-league roster. But if they look to sell, lefty Derek Holland could interest the Yankees.

Holland comes cheap ($1.8 million in 2018) and will be a free agent at season’s end. He’s 5-8 with a 4.09 ERA in 21 games (18 starts) and 101 1/3 innings. He’s posted a career high strikeout rate (9.1 K/9) and his walks (3.4 BB/9) are down from last year (5.0 BB/9).

Of course, the Giants could also consider shopping ace Madison Bumgarner.

Brendan Kuty may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @BrendanKutyNJ. Find NJ.com Yankees on Facebook.