The New York Yankees are not sitting idly by after adding top-end free agent Gerrit Cole earlier this winter.
In fact, New York is looking at the possibility of adding a left-handed power bat to go with their core group of right-handed hitters.
According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, that includes discussions with the Chicago Cubs about star outfielder Kyle Schwarber. While Rosenthal notes that talks are taking place, a trade remains highly unlikely.
“The Yankees’ interest in Schwarber is not new; they have been talking to the Cubs about him since at least 2016, sources said. The nature of the latest conversations also is not new,” Rosenthal reported. “The teams are talking, yes, but again that’s all it is — talk.”
Trade talks surrounding the Cubs have involved former NL MVP Kris Bryant more than Schwarber in recent weeks. It’s not yet known whether the outfielder is availalbe.
After losing Didi Gregorius in free agency, the Yankees are in the market for a left-handed bat.
Coming off a career-best 2019 season, Schwarber would certainly fit the bill. The 26-year-old outfielder hit .250 with 39 homers, 92 RBI and an .871 OPS this past season.