New York Yankees Discussing Gerrit Cole, Clint Frazier Swap With the Pittsburgh Pirates
It appears that the New York Yankees are still looking for a way to acquire All-Star pitcher Gerrit Cole from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
According to the New York Post's George A. King III, the Yankees and the Pirates are working on a potential deal that will send outfielder Clint Frazier to Pittsburgh as part of a package for Cole.
"According to a person with knowledge of the situation, the Yankees and Pirates are discussing a deal that would bring right-hander Gerrit Cole from Pittsburgh and possibly would include outfielder Clint Frazier leaving The Bronx," King said in his report.
Get Our Latest News for FREE
"The Pirates are expected to deal outfielder Andrew McCutchen, so they are looking for an outfielder who has power. While Frazier may not qualify as a legitimate power threat, hitting gurus believe his bat speed — which Cashman labeled 'legendary' when acquiring the 23-year-old from the Indians in 2016 — will lead to more homers with regular playing time," he added.
Well, trading away Frazier makes sense since the Yankees have a logjam in the outfield especially after they acquired National League (NL) most valuable player Giancarlo Stanton from the Miami Marlins last week.
Of course, the Yankees may have to move one of the top prospects in their farm system as well if they want to convince the Pirates to part ways with Cole, and pitcher Chance Adams seems like a logical fit, per King.
The Pirates would love to get their hands on top infield prospect Gleyber Torres, FanRag Sports' Jon Heyman has reported that the Yankees were unlikely to include him in any deal. Heyman also suggested that the Yankees might be willing to include Adams or third baseman Miguel Andújar in the package.
Cole went 12–12 in 33 starts last season and he posted a career-worst 4.26 earned run average (ERA). The right-hander also recorded 196 strikeouts in 203 innings pitched.
