We here in the Yankees rumors department of Chat Sports already broke possible story over a month ago, but it is now looking increasingly likely that the New York Yankees and Philadelphia Philles could be partners in a blockbuster trade.
The Latino Post is reporting that the Philadelphia Phillies have placed pitcher Cliff Lee on the trading block, indicating that the 2008 American League Cy Young will be on his way out of Philadelphia prior to the 2014 MLB trade deadline...and quite possibly to the New York Yankees.
"If the 2014 Phillies aren't positioned to make that run in July, this might end up being the season that management pulls the trigger on Lee," says Jim Salisbury of CSN Philadelphia.
Cliff Lee still has a huge price tag attached to him, as he due over $75 million over the next three years--limiting the Philadelphia Phillies' trade options to big-money teams such as the NY Yankees and LA Dodgers.
The Yankees may be reticent to trade for a 35-year old pitcher approaching the twilight of his career--but, despite the Philadelphia Phillies' struggles in 2013, Lee maintained a high level of production which may raise his value in the New York Yankees' eyes.
Cliff Lee went 14-8 in 31 starts with the Phillies last season, posting the 3rd-highest innings total (222.2) of his 12-year career. He also struck out 222 batters, marking the third-straight season that the 4-time Major League Baseball All-Star has eclipsed 200 strikeouts.