MLB trade rumors: Would Yankees deal Giancarlo Stanton to make room for Manny Machado or Bryce Harper?

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is upgrading the roster for 2019. He’s already traded for Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton. Would he move DH Giancarlo Stanton to clear room to sign Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Manny Machado or Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper?

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has proven he’s not afraid to wheel and deal in an attempt to upgrade the roster for 2019. His first big move of the offseason was acquiring left-hander James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners in exchange for three prospects, including Justus Sheffield.

The Boston Globe’s Nick Cafardo reports Cashman could have more moves up his sleeve:

Cashman also has enough capital in his farm system to make another Paxton-like move. He could look to the Orioles and pick off Dylan Bundy or Alex Cobb. He could inquire, as he once did, with the Giants on the availability of Madison Bumgarner. He also could see if the Mets would part with Noah Syndergaard.

As far as position players, there’s always the possibility the Yankees will make a huge splash by signing Manny Machado, who wants to play shortstop in New York. With Didi Gregorius out until at least July after Tommy John surgery, there is an opening there for Machado. Even if Machado eventually has to move to third base, clearly his best position, the Yankees could shift Miguel Andujar to first base.

There are also long-shot rumblings about the Yankees trying to move Giancarlo Stanton. Obviously it’s a massive contract, but if the Dodgers ever felt they needed to do something splashy, Stanton isn’t that far-fetched, since that’s one team to which he would likely approve a trade. Nor would it be far-fetched if the Giants wanted a big hitter to give their staggering offense a jump start, or if the Phillies decided to include Stanton on their list of superstars to acquire. Stanton has about $260 million remaining on his contract over the next 10 years. That would be cheaper than acquiring (Manny) Machado or Bryce Harper. Stanton is 29 years old.

Yanks-Mets Syndergaard deal ‘not expected’

Trading Stanton to clear room for Machado or Harper is one of the boldest predictions we’ve seen during the offseason.

MLB.com tries to put such a rumor in context: 

The Yankees made a blockbuster trade last offseason with the Marlins to acquire Stanton, who was coming off an NL Most Valuable Player campaign in 2017, in which he belted 59 home runs. He didn’t fare as well in his first season in the Bronx, slashing .266/.343/.509 with 38 homers.

In terms of choosing whether to sign Harper or Machado should such a scenario arise, the positional need for New York would suggest Machado, since shortstop Didi Gregorius will still be recovering from Tommy John surgery when the ’19 season begins.

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