Report: Yankees' Frazier would be centerpiece of deal for Pirates' Cole
There's apparently been plenty of back-and-forth when it comes to the New York Yankees' trade discussions with the Pittsburgh Pirates about starting pitcher Gerrit Cole. One day, talks have cooled, then a trade is perceived as imminent the next.
One hitch has reportedly been the Pirates' request for infield prospect Gleyber Torres in exchange for their ace right-hander, causing the Yankees to balk. A compromise may be incoming, as the teams might be able to agree on a new package centered around outfielder Clint Frazier instead, a Yankees source told Kristie Ackert of the New York Daily News.
The deal could expand to include pitching prospect Chance Adams and infielder Miguel Andujar, both of whom are listed among the top five prospects in the Yankees' system. In that case, it's reportedly expected that Pirates infielder Josh Harrison would be included in the trade, and could slot in as the Yankees' starting third baseman.
The Yankees acquired the 23-year-old Frazier at the 2016 trade deadline in a deal that sent reliever Andrew Miller to the Cleveland Indians. He made his debut with the Yankees in 2017, appearing in 39 games and batting .231/.268/.448 with four home runs and 17 RBIs.
Adams has yet to play in the majors, but he made strides at Triple-A last season. He went 11-5 with a 2.89 ERA and 1.08 WHIP in 115 1/3 innings over 21 starts. With Andujar, the Pirates would be getting a third baseman who generates hard contact at the plate and has a plus-arm in the field. He hit .315/.352/.498 over two minor-league levels in 2017.
The versatile Harrison would be a fascinating wrinkle in the deal. The 30-year-old has spent all seven seasons of his major-league career with the Pirates, becoming a mainstay in the team's infield while also getting the call in the outfield on occasion. The two-time All-Star has hit .281/.321/.432 for his career with 44 home runs, 232 RBIs, and 72 stolen bases. He's set to make $10 million in 2018 with club options for the next two seasons worth $10.5 and $11.5 million, respectively.