Yankees Trade Rumors: Zack Greinke, Corey Kluber Among New York's Targets This Winter?

In a free-agent market that is thin on top starting pitchers, the Arizona Diamondbacks may see an opening to get a big return for one of their front-end starters.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, the Diamondbacks are "aggressively shopping" Zack Greinke. The 35-year-old has three years and $104.5 million remaining through 2021.

The news comes after MLB insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic floated the idea of Greinke being dealt, as well.

Nightengale pointed out that Arizona could pay down some of the contract to get more talent in return.

The Diamondbacks in recent years have found themselves trailing behind the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have won six consecutive National League West titles. By dealing Greinke for prospects the Diamondbacks could possibly make a more serious run at the division in 2019 or 2020.

There haven't been any direct teams linked to Greinke, though David Adler of MLB.com listed the New York Yankees, Houston Astros and Los Angeles Angels as "three teams that would be an interesting fit."

The Yankees might be the most intriguing of the three teams. Despite a season in which they had two Rookie of the Year candidates and added superstar slugger Giancarlo Stanton, the Yankees had to endure watching the rival Boston Red Sox lift another title trophy up, so there will be increased pressure to win their first title since 2009.

It's no secret that New York could use another starter and Greinke could be a solid option. Greinke has proven to be a durable pitcher, having thrown more than 200 innings four of the past five seasons. He has also been quite effective, boasting a 3.20 ERA in 2017 and a 3.21 ERA in 2018. Greinke also had 19 quality starts in 2017 and 21 in 2018.

New York was sixth in the majors in quality starts (91) but finished 10th in ERA (3.78).

General manager Brian Cashman also has plenty of prospects to offer Arizona. Meanwhile, Joel Sherman of the New York Post earlier this month touched on how Sonny Gray's days in the Bronx are numbered.

Should the Yankees not purse Greinke, they might consider Corey Kluber of the Cleveland Indians or free agent Nathan Eovaldi, who Sherman suggested is on Cashman's radar. Entering the offseason, Kluber was considered among the top pitchers to be on the trade block. Indians starter Carlos Carrasco could also be dealt.

Baseball insider Jon Heyman reported in October that the Yankees would target Diamondbacks left-hander Patrick Corbin, who is considered one of the most coveted pitchers on the free-agent market.

Any deal for a pitcher could hinge on whether the Yankees sign Manny Machado. The superstar shortstop is expected to command a contract of over $300 million. Should New York land Machado, it would open up opportunities for a trade for Greinke or Kluber.