MLB Insider Says Luis Severino Could Be Possible Trade Chip

This MLB insider says Yankees starter Luis Severino could be a potential trade chip.

Could he be traded?

MLB insider Buster Olney of ESPN believes Luis Severino could become available if the Yankees fall far behind in the standings by the time the trade deadline rolls around.

"Flipping from contenders to rebuilding is something rarely entertained by (Brian Cashman) in his 26 years running the team, but he is viewed by his peers as a realist, and he's always been decisive -- they remember in the summer of 2016 how he traded both Andrew Miller and Aroldis Chapman for prospects," Olney said. "If they fall far behind, he'll take a hard look about whether that's something he should do," one GM said. The Yankees have bullpen pieces to offer, but another name mentioned by rival execs is that of Luis Severino, who is currently recovering from a right lat strain. He would have to pitch in big-league games and demonstrate he is healthy, but if that happens and the Yankees decide to trade him, Severino could have value."

The Yankees entered Friday night nine games back of the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League East.

Severino, of course, has yet to pitch this season, as he suffered a lat strain in the final week of Spring Training.

The good news is that the righty is about to make his second rehab start and could rejoin the Yankees afterward.

Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

If Severino can stay healthy and pitch like the front line starter he has looked like in the past, the Yankees could get some value for him in a trade. 

Severino will become a free agent after the season ends and if the Yankees wind up as sellers at the deadline they could get a solid package in return if they deal him.

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