MLB trade rumors: Why Giants’ Madison Bumgarner to Yankees is unlikely to happen

The Cleveland Indians could look to trade ace Corey Kluber. Same for the San Francisco Giants and ace Madison Bumgarner. But Yankees general manager Brian Cashman might have more luck in free agency with Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin or Houston Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel.

MLB teams shopping for starting pitching in free agency won’t be overwhelmed with options, especially now that Clayton Kershaw re-signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The best arms on the market are Arizona Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin and Houston Astros left-hander Dallas Keuchel.

However, there are some interesting names which could be available via trade, including Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber and San Francisco Giants ace Madison Bumgarner.

But The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal is throwing some cold ice on the hot stove:

As I talked to people in the industry, I came to understand the chances of any of those moves happening probably is between zero and five percent.

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The sentimental Giants of old would simply sign Bumgarner long-term, rewarding him for helping the team win three World Series. Under the incoming “next-gen” leadership, as CEO Larry Baer calls it, the Giants might be inclined to pursue Harper, who is only 26. But would they add a Bumgarner contract to the massive and increasingly unproductive deals they awarded shortstop Brandon Crawford, first baseman Brandon Belt and catcher Buster Posey? Better they should trade Bumgarner in July, even if they sign Harper, and start building a younger core.

Free agency predictions

Here’s the silver lining for Yankees fans. Rosenthal thinks New York can rule the offseason: 

The Yankees, despite obvious starting-pitching concerns and their own potential defections, might be in the strongest position of the AL super-teams going forward. They have the prospects, starting with outfielder Estevan Florial, to acquire one of the Indians’ pitchers. They also have the money to sign Corbin and fellow lefty J.A. Happ if that is their preferred route. They even have the wherewithal to add Machado and package third baseman Miguel Andujar for some other starting pitcher as another option.

Even the failed acquisition of righty Sonny Gray could end up working in the Yankees’ favor. General manager Brian Cashman already has announced his intention to move Gray, and the best outcome for the Yankees might be to obtain young lottery tickets whom they would not need to add to their crowded 40-man roster.

Acquire enough lottery tickets, and every so often one of them will pay off, a strategy that would help the Yankees maintain their player-development juggernaut.

Mike Rosenstein may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @rosenstein73. Find NJ.com on Facebook.