The New York Yankees could become sellers on the trade market in the coming weeks. Aroldis Chapman and Andrew Miller are among the players who could be dealt and are reportedly getting interest from at least five teams.
The Yankees are currently in fourth place in the American League East standings with their 34-36 record. By the end of July, the Yankees are expected to strike big deals either to improve their chances of making an impact in the playoffs or to move top-tier players in exchange for future assets.
Miller and Chapman are continuously being mentioned in Yankees rumors over the past several weeks. If the Yankees fail to improve their chances of making it into the postseason, Miller and Chapman will likely be on their way out. According to Fox Sports, there are five teams who will likely make a run at them.
The Washington Nationals, Chicago Cubs, San Francisco Giants, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers are expected to target at least one of the two pitchers if the Yankees decide to shop them later in the season. If the Yankees opt to part ways with both Miller and Chapman, more teams will likely join the bidding war.
The Cubs have already shown desire to acquire Miller but there is also a chance they will go for both pitchers, as they are currently in win-now mode. The Cubs are currently on top of the National League Central standings with their 47-22 card.
The Rangers, on the other hand, are also looking to improve their bullpen to solidify their grip on the top spot in the American League. The Nationals are also searching for an impact reliever with Jonathan Papelbon injured. Chapman could be their main target because of former Reds manager Dusty Baker, who has ties to the 28-year-old leftie.
Chapman has appeared in 18 games with 13 saves and 3.18 ERA this season. On the other hand, Miller has pitched in 29 games with 4-0 record and 1.21 ERA. Miller said that he has heard about the rumors about him and admitted that he cannot control his future.
"I was talking to somebody on the phone today about something unrelated to baseball and he'd seen it," Miller told NJ.com, referring to the trade rumors. "I have zero control on it. I have zero leverage."
Watch Andrew Miller's highlights with the Yankees below.