Trade debate: Should the Yankees deal Chapman?

The New York Yankees aren't making things easy on general manager Brian Cashman.

As the front office tries to determine whether to be buyers or sellers heading into the non-waiver trade deadline, the Bronx Bombers have reeled off three straight wins, climbing within 6 1/2 games of the division lead, and sitting five games back of the second wild card.

Complicating matters for Cashman is the fact that he holds arguably the most valuable trade chip on the market in left-hander Aroldis Chapman, leaving him to decide whether to keep his star-studded bullpen intact in hopes of making a run, or to deal the impending free agent for prospects.

Our editors Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb and Brandon Wile debate whether the Yankees should deal their All-Star closer before the deadline:

Yes, trade him

The Yankees as sellers is unfamiliar territory for all, but this year they have no choice. They won't trade everybody - it's the Yankees, they don't do the total rebuild thing. But trading Chapman would allow them to find a solid middle ground: It would ensure they got something in return for the free-agent-to-be while not fully surrendering and calling themselves "sellers" if he's the lone piece moved.

Holding onto Andrew Miller makes sense given he could help a revamped Yankees team in a few years. But even for the Yankees, investing big money in three relievers (Dellin Betances will command some dollars soon) might prove to be unwise. A Chapman deal brings back a piece to help in the future, and perhaps even contribute in the present, as they shed other onerous contracts and wait to strike with their money again during the loaded 2018 free-agent market. But that's in three years; this is 2016, and right now the team is stuck in the mud. It's time for the Yankees to swallow their pride and sell Chapman for the greater good of the franchise. If they don't, it could set the whole thing back even further. - Sharkey-Gotlieb

No, sign him to extension

Cashman has constructed MLB's most dominate bullpen, and if the Yankees wish to return atop the division as soon as next year, keeping that core together is integral. There's the temptation to trade Chapman and try to re-sign him in the winter, but there's no guarantee he'll return. The Red Sox tried the same approach with Jon Lester several years ago and ended up watching him sign with the Cubs.

Instead of dealing the flamethrower, Cashman should try to get Chapman's signature on a long-term extension. The trio of Miller, Betances, and Chapman have proved they can co-exist, while combining for a 2.02 ERA and 191 strikeouts over 115 2/3 innings this season. The path to the World Series is paved with a dominant bullpen, as the Royals illustrated last year. Plus, with Carlos Beltran, Mark Teixeira, and CC Sabathia hitting free agency this winter, the Yankees have plenty of money coming off the books to retool elsewhere. - Wile