The Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres surprisingly agreed to a trade yesterday, as the Reds sent prospects Yonder Alonso, Edinson Volquez, Yasmani Grandal, and Brad Boxberger to the Padres for the ace of the staff, Mat Latos.
The Padres were listed as the winners of the deal in many analysts' books, but the Reds pulled the trigger, knowing they needed a top two starter for the NL Central race.
Many see the Yankees as another team that needs a top two starter, and the Yankees have reportedly been interested in John Danks and Gio Gonzalez, among others.
The Mat Latos deal is likely to keep the price the same for Gonzalez/Danks, if not raise it. The A's and White Sox are asking for the world for their respective pitchers, and the Reds deal gives Billy Beane and Kenny Williams a trade to reference.
The Yankees could look at the Reds' approach as a reference point for their own trade proposals, however. The Reds traded from depth, and the Yankees have positions that they can still have depth even after possible trades. (See: Catcher)
Regardless, unless the price lowers, I do not see the Yankees acquiring Danks or Gonzalez. We shall see.