MLB trade rumors: Yankees 'talked' about Mets' Noah Syndergaard, Indians' Corey Kluber

by Felix Pantaleón

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman traded for Seattle Mariners left-hander James Paxton on Monday, November 19, 2018 (11/19/18). Will Cashman continue to wheel and deal by picking up Cleveland Indians ace Corey Kluber or Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard?

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When Yankees general manager Brian Cashman acquired left-hander James Paxton from the Seattle Mariners on Monday night, it was the first of what could be several offseason moves.

Cashman has maintained all along his top priority is to upgrade the starting rotation for 2019.

Even with Paxton on board, Cashman is shopping for at least one more arm.

He has several options in free agency, including left-handers Patrick Corbin and J.A. Happ.

But what about trading for another pitcher? Does Cashman have enough farm system depth to pull off another deal? And if so, who should he target?

The Athletic’s Jim Bowden says Cashman has talked trade regarding at least three starters:

New York is committed to acquiring one more proven starter, most likely through free agency. Patrick Corbin, Dallas Keuchel, J.A. Happ, Nathan Eovaldi and Charlie Morton are all at least on their radar as possibilities. The Yankees have also talked to the Mets about Noah Syndergaard and the Indians about Corey Kluber and Carlos Carrasco, but so far there is zero momentum coming out of those inquiries. Middle infield is another priority for the Bombers, due to the injury to Didi Gregorius; Manny Machado is at least being considered, and despite their denials, I personally think they’ll make a run at Bryce Harper. It makes too much sense to add a huge left-handed bat in Yankee Stadium, in the middle of their mostly right-handed lineup that includes Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Gary Sanchez. Harper could play first base or left field in New York. Harper grew up a Yankee fan, and has worn number 34 because the 3 and the 4 add up to Mickey Mantle’s uniform number seven.

11 Yankees observations

The Indians have made it known publicly that they are willing to trade Kluber and Carrasco. New Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, however, has not committed to dealing Syndergaard and may instead opt for a quick rebuild around his starting rotation, anchored by National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom.

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

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