In this Yankees rumors and news update, Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cliff Lee is reportedly available in trade discussions, perhaps rekindling previous interest on the Yankees' part in regards to the 35-year-old lefty.
Per Jon Heyman of CBS Sports, "the strong belief, based on talks so far with the Phillies, is that the team would much prefer to trade Cliff Lee than Cole Hamels."
Lee has been sidelined by an elbow injury for the past few weeks, but he is expected to return very soon. This could potentially give him two or three outings to impress Yankees management before New York makes a decision on a potential deal.
Lee is 4-4 with a 3.18 ERA this season, but comes with a very hefty price tage if the Yankees decide to look his way. His back-loaded contract guarantees him $48 million through next winter with a $15 million vesting option for 2016. That option is likely to vest, positioning a team with deep pocketbooks such as the Yankees as one of the few parties who could take on such a commitment.
There were several reports this winter regarding the Yankees' interest in Lee, and with him now potentially being dangled by Philadelphia general manager Ruben Amaro, speculation could heat up about a possible trade over the next couple of weeks.
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