MLB trade rumors: Mariners’ James Paxton to Yankees? How much a deal would cost and how it could kill 2 birds with 1 stone

by Felix Pantaleón

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is shopping for starting pitching. The Seattle Mariners are shopping right-hander James Paxton. The Mariners are also looking to dump infielder Dee Gordon, who could be a replacement for injured Yankees shortstop Didi Gregoirus.

On Tuesday, Yahoo’s Jeff Passan reported the Seattle Mariners are looking to shed payroll and are willing to discuss trade offers for right-hander James Paxton.

But what would it take for teams looking for starting pitching, including the Yankees, to pry Paxton from the Mariners? Ryan Divish of the Seattle Times has an idea:

Multiple MLB sources have said the Mariners are expected to be active in moving players and re-shifting the roster this offseason. Sources also said James Paxton, the Mariners’ best starting pitcher, will be traded this offseason.

Dipoto will likely trade some key players in hopes of getting MLB-ready prospects that can contribute in 2019 or 2020. The Mariners believed Mitch Haniger was that type of player when they acquired him before the 2017 trade deadline along with Jean Segura.

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The Mariners would hope to gain at least one high-level, big-league-ready prospect in a package of players for Paxton. Some MLB insiders believe the Mariners might try to package Paxton and someone such as (Kyle) Seager or (Dee) Gordon to a contender to get some additional salary relief.

21 things learned at GM Meetings

If Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is so inclined, he might be able to kill two birds with one stone in a deal with the Mariners: upgrade the starting rotation with Paxton and come up with an injury replacement for Didi Gregorius in Gordon. According to Spotrac, Gordon is scheduled to make $13 million in 2019 and $13.5 million in 2020. He has a $14 million option for 2021 with a $1 million buyout.

The 30-year-old Gordon is a two-time All-Star with significant experience at second base and shortstop.

As for the 30-year-old Paxton, his career ERA is 3.42 and he made a career-high 28 starts in 2018. According to Spotrac, he is arbitration eligible in 2019 and 2020.

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