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Yankees land Castro in trade with Cubs

Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Yankees have finally arrived at the winter meetings, making an impactful trade Tuesday to upgrade a position of need.

Just minutes after the Chicago Cubs agreed to a four-year deal with Ben Zobrist, the Yankees acquired middle infielder Starlin Castro from the Cubs in exchange for right-hander Adam Warren and a player to be named later - which is rumored to be infielder Brendan Ryan.

Castro, a three-time All-Star, will immediately project as the Yankees' starting second baseman, replacing Rob Refsnyder.

The 25-year-old is a natural shortstop, but also has the ability to play second base. He hit .265/.296/.375 with 11 homers and 69 RBIs in 151 contests and is under contract until 2019.

YEAR AGE SALARY
2016 26 $7.8M
2017 27 $9.8M
2018 28 $10.8M
2019 29 $11.8M
*2020 30 $16M 

Castro also holds a $16-million option for the 2020 campaign with a $1-million buyout.

Warren - who is controllable through the 2018 season - started 17 games for the Yankees last season, posting a 7-7 record with a 3.29 ERA and 1.165 WHIP. The 28-year-old is preparing this offseason as a starting pitcher, but could also be used as the long man out of the bullpen. He's compiled a 3.06 ERA in 127 relief appearances, and strikes out almost two more batters per inning compared to when he starts games.

Ryan can play every infield position and hit .229/.275/.333 with eight RBIs in 47 games for New York.

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