After Johnny Cueto has arrived in Miami, there is a possibility of a trade between the Yankees and the Marlins.
According to Miami Herald’s Craig Mish, “Free Agent pitcher Johnny Cueto is in agreement with the Miami Marlins, a source confirms. Cueto is guaranteed 8.5 million dollars in the agreement per sources. 2023 $6 million dollars 2024 $10.5 club option (2.5 million dollar buyout).”
As a result of the deal, Rotoworld foresees, “(Cueto’s) addition could enable the club to strongly consider trading Pablo Lopez, Trevor Rogers, Edward Cabrera or Jesus Luzardo prior to spring training.”
MLB Trade Rumors too predicts, “Rumors have swirled throughout the offseason of the Marlins dealing from their deep stable of rotation players, and signing Cueto provides them with additional depth in the rotation in order to more comfortably make those deals.”
The New York Yankees come into the picture at this point. Last week, Mish and Barry Jackson said that the Marlins, who are “desperately in need of controllable quality bats,” might be willing to trade a key player.
Heyman reported in November: “Biggest name (heard) available in trade so far is Marlins pitcher Pablo Lopez. Fish need hitters! Came close to dealing him to Yankees at deadline in a Gleyber Torres deal.”
There’s a good reason why Lopez’s name might sound familiar. Heyman noted in August about a possible deal involving Lopez: “The Yankees looked into Marlins right-hander Pablo Lopez, but they asked for Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza, or Gleyber Torres instead.”
Also, Joel Sherman of the New York Post said, “The Marlins wanted Gleyber Torres and more for Lopez. It was too expensive.”
It’s not impossible that GM Brian Cashman talked trade with Kim Ng, who used to work for him in the front office and now runs the Marlins.
It’s also not impossible that Cashman would be keeping an eye on Lopez. In 2022, the 26-year-old right-hander won 10 games and made 32 starts, both of which were career highs. He also had a respectable ERA of 3.75. Spotrac says that the team can control Lopez for two more seasons, even though he has been in MLB for five years.
Also, a deal with Torres seems like it would make sense.
Last year, the 26-year-old hit 24 home runs, showing the power that made him an All-Star twice. And with prospects Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe getting close to being ready for the big leagues, the Yankees seem to have more middle infielders than they need.
After giving Carlos Rodon a six-year, $162 million deal, the Yankees don’t NEED a starting pitcher. But if Cashman has learned anything over the years, it’s that you can never have too much pitching, especially young arms that are cheap.
What do you think? Leave your comment below.
(Source: NJ.com)
