Yankees potential trade target: Noah Syndergaard

Now that Manny Machado is officially off the table, it’s time for Brian Cashman to refocus his efforts. The idea of Machado in pinstripes was fun while it lasted, but what the Yankees really need is starting pitching help. The good news is that there is plenty of time left for Cashman to work his magic and make a move to improve the rotation. It just so happens that the Mets are harboring two of the best pitchers out there. Could the Yankees swing a deal for Noah Syndergaard?

Syndergaard, 25, dazzled during his first season in the big leagues. He was even better in 2016, posting a 2.60 ERA with a whopping 218 strikeouts over 31 games. Things, however, did not go his way in 2017. The big right-hander suffered a torn lat muscle in April. After making just five starts, the Mets lost Syndergaard until the end of September. He made two outings before they wrapped up their season.

Thor has had better luck this year, but already spent six weeks on the disabled list with a strained ligament in his right index finger. When healthy, he has pitched well. Through 12 starts, Syndergaard owns a 2.97 ERA (2.63 FIP) with 10.21 K/9, 1.94 BB/9, and 0.65 HR/9.

He would immediately improve the rotation, but it is possible that he wouldn’t be able to help the Yankees in the postseason. Syndergaard will likely be on an innings limit since he was limited to throwing just 33 innings last year. His stint on the disabled list may have helped him out there, but he is still at 69.2 innings already.

Syndergaard isn’t set to reach free agency until 2022, so even if he isn’t available for a playoff run this year, he’d have plenty more opportunities. Unfortunately, there isn’t much chance of the Yankees acquiring him. The two New York teams are unlikely to make any sort of deal to begin with, and it sounds like the Mets intend to hang on to both Jacob deGrom and Syndergaard for now.

For his part, Cashman has reached out to the Mets. Last month, he indicated that he would have no problem making a deal with them, despite the fact that the two teams haven’t agreed to a trade involving major leaguers in nearly 15 years. If the price is right, there’s no reason the Yankees shouldn’t try to pry Syndergaard or deGrom away. It doesn’t hurt to dream, right?

What kind of deal would you put together for Syndergaard? Let us know in the comments.