Yankees GM Brian Cashman said earlier today that he hadn't picked up the phone to offer Brett Gardner in any trades despite the crowded outfield situation, however, he confirmed that he had been receiving calls from other teams. According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Cincinnati Reds are interested in Gardner to fill their outfield needs.
Gardner was linked to the Reds earlier this week with the Yankees on the hunt for a starting pitcher. Multiple members of the media suggested that the Reds could trade Homer Bailey for Gardner in a swap of impending free agents. Reds GM Walt Jocketty has since said that he doesn't plan to trade Bailey this offseason. Plans can change in a hurry once talks heat up, but that's at least the storyline for now. Each side would be dealing from a position of strength in swapping Gardner and Bailey, which usually bodes well if both sides are willing to get something done.
Sherman notes that the Yankees do not like reliever Sean Marshall. Marshall only pitched 10.1 innings in 2013 due to shoulder tendinitis, but the left-hander saved nine games with a 2.51 ERA in 61 innings in 2012. The Yankees could use some help in their bullpen next season, but it's unlikely that they would be willing to part with Gardner to get it. Second base, third base, and the rotation remain more pressing concerns.
Reds second baseman Brandon Phillips has also been the subject of trade rumors this offseason. Cincinnati could be looking to shed his contract before 2014, possibly providing a match for the Yankees to fill the vacancy left by Robinson Cano's departure. It seems like there are multiple ways that these two teams could match up for a deal, even if it includes more pieces than just Gardner.
