Skip to content

Report: Cashman eyes trade for Cubs' Schwarber

Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Yankee Stadium is the house built for a big left-handed bat, and New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman knows who he wants.

Cashman controls Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman, the two most coveted relief arms available, and he's willing to swap one of the two to the Chicago Cubs to secure Kyle Schwarber.

“Cash thinks he can hit 50 home runs there,” a source said, according to Yahoo's Jeff Passan.

In June, Cubs general manager Theo Epstein made it clear he won't trade Schwarber for Miller, adding he doesn't expect to let him go for anyone.

The 23-year-old slugger tore up his knee on April 7, effectively ending his season before it even started. But should he come back ready to go, he's a power-hitting time bomb waiting to go off.

In 69 games last season he belted 16 homers, and five more in the playoffs.

The only way this makes sense for Chicago is because the Cubs are favorites to win the World Series this season without Schwarber. But upon his return, he's a below-average option in left field and catcher, pegging him as the perfect designated hitter.

Chicago's decision to part ways with the youngster would be based solely on the increased chance of winning right now, while the Yankees would benefit from Schwarber - assuming he stays healthy - for years to come.

The Cubs would probably have their pick of Miller or Chapman, which would solidify the back end of the bullpen while they make a run for a championship. Miller has a reasonable deal that runs through 2018, while Chapman is expected to be a rental.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox