Yankees Linked To Cy Young Award Winner In Possible Blockbuster Trade

Should the Yankees pursue the blockbuster trade if they miss out on Yamamoto?

The New York Yankees need another frontline starter and could fill the role with a former Cy Young Award winner.

New York currently is looking to land Orix Buffaloes phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto but there is no way to know right now if a move actually will happen. The Yankees have a strong pedigree and plenty of money to spend but have stiff competition for the young star.

If the Yankees don't land Yamamoto, it sounds like the club could turn their focus to the trade market. One player New York reportedly could pursue is Milwaukee Brewers star Corbin Burnes, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. 

"Should Milwaukee try to move him now, an acquiring team would have to pay a steep price – namely controllable, young arms – since the Brewers aren’t in a position where they need to make a deal," Feinsand said. "Teams that miss out on Yamamoto might turn to the trade market, where Burnes is the top option available.

"The (Los Angeles Dodgers) have already been ultra-aggressive this winter with their signing of (Shohei Ohtani) and trade for (Tyler Glasnow), but they also have a need at shortstop. A deal for both Burnes and Willy Adames – who is also headed for free agency at the end of the season – could be in play, though Los Angeles is said to be hot after Yamamoto. The Yankees, (Atlanta Braves), (Toronto Blue Jays), and (Texas Rangers) are among the other teams that might try to deal for Burnes depending on what happens with Yamamoto."

Burnes would be a major pickup for the Yankees but would come at a steep cost. New York already has dealt a handful of prospects away this offseason and landing Burnes would mean the club would need to trade more.

While the cost would be high, Burnes is a three-time All-Star and Cy Young Award winner at just 29 years old. Yamamoto should be New York's top choice but Burnes shouldn't be far behind.