Report: Yankees discussed trading Gardner to Cubs for Castro
Trade rumors have been swirling around Brett Gardner, and talks appear to be intensifying leading up to the winter meetings.
The New York Yankees discussed trading the outfielder to the Chicago Cubs for middle infielder Starlin Castro, Mark Feinsand of the New York Daily News reports.
Feinsand followed up his initial report by saying the Yankees were not interested in such a deal, but could revisit a trade for Castro if a different asking price came up.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman revealed Thursday he's been receiving plenty of calls about Gardner's availability, and Feinsand is reporting the All-Star outfielder has been discussed with "many teams" recently.
Castro seems like a potential fit for the Yankees, who would likely deploy a combination of Dustin Ackley and Robert Refsnyder at second base if the season started today. The 26-year-old hit .265/.296/.375 with 11 homers and 69 RBIs last season, and is owed $38 million over the next four years.
Gardner, a first-time All-Star in 2015, hit .259/.343/.399 with 16 home runs and 66 RBIs in 151 games. He's under contract through the 2018 season and is owed $37.5 million. The Yankees also hold a $12.5-million team option on him with a $2-million buyout for the 2019 season.
There are several teams looking to upgrade their respective outfields this fall, including the Cleveland Indians and Baltimore Orioles.