Report: Yankees, Cubs Have Discussed Swapping Gardner For Castro
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- According to the New York Daily News, the Yankees have had discussions with many teams about trading left fielder Brett Gardner.
One of those teams is the Cubs. The newspaper reports that the two clubs have discussed swapping Gardner for shortstop Starlin Castro.
If the Yankees acquired Castro, he would play second base. (Shortstop Didi Gregorius isn't switching positions.) The 25-year-old -- who only played shortstop from 2010-15 -- played 38 games at second base for Chicago last season.
New York has a need at second base. Though it's early in the offseason, the second basemen on the Bombers' current roster are Dustin Ackley, Rob Refsnyder and Brendan Ryan.
Castro is a three-time All-Star, but he was underwhelming in 2015. The former National League hits leader batted just .265 with 11 home runs and 69 RBIs. He posted a .296 on-base percentage and was caught stealing five times on 10 attempts.
Castro is owed $38 million over the next four years after signing a seven-year, $60 million deal in 2012.
Gardner came up with the Yankees in 2008. He was an All-Star in 2015 but struggled in the final months of the season. The 32-year-old hit .259 with 16 home runs and 66 RBIs. He posted a .343 on-base percentage and stole 20 bases.
Gardner is owed $38 million over the next three years.
The New York Daily News also reports that the Indians have shown interest in trading for Gardner.
