Heyman: Yankees Refuse To Give Up Top Infield Prospect For Padres' Kimbrel
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Brian Cashman is still sticking to his guns.
With the trade deadline fast approaching, the Yankees' general manager reiterated on Wednesday that he's not willing to part with the organization's top prospects.
That could change as Friday's 4 p.m. deadline gets closer, but for the time being certain youngsters remain off limits.
According to CBSSports.com and WFAN baseball insider Jon Heyman, Cashman rejected a request from the San Diego Padres for a package including shortstop prospect Jorge Mateo that would have sent All-Star closer Craig Kimbrel to the Bronx.
yanks won't give up ss prospect mateo for kimbrel, who may well stay in SD. http://t.co/X5MQ8rZ48e
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2015
Mateo, a 20-year-old from the Dominican Republic who is currently playing for Class A Charleston of the South Atlantic League, is considered part of the Yankees' upper echelon of prospects, along with right-hander Luis Severino, outfielder Aaron Judge and first baseman Greg Bird, who are all at Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
The Yankees, who entered Wednesday's action with a seven-game lead atop the AL East, are believed to be in the market for a front-line starting pitcher and/or another big-time reliever to team with Dellin Betances and closer Andrew Miller.
Price can make Yankees the favorites in AL. A top LH starter is essential at Yankee Stadium. https://t.co/BlK6cjVgMH
— Sweeny Murti (@YankeesWFAN) July 29, 2015
With several top starters reportedly still available, Cashman could be simply biding his time until asking prices drop a bit. The same may be the case with a reliever like Kimbrel, who is 1-2 with 29 saves and a 2.75 ERA this season, his first with the Padres following a stellar four-plus-year run with the Atlanta Braves.
The Yankees are willing to take on the remaining $28 million on Kimbrel's contract, which runs through 2017, Heyman reported.