Report: Teams scouting Yankees pitcher Sonny Gray

According to Nick Cafardo, several teams are scouting Yankees right-hander Sonny Gray. The Boston Globe writer suggests that the Bombers could move Gray as a precursor to landing an ace-caliber starter.

“There are a couple of teams sending scouts to watch Gray pitch as the second half opens,” he writes. “Are the Yankees trying to move Gray? That’s the impression some teams are getting. The feeling seems to be he belongs in a smaller market. The Yankees could turn around and flip prospects for a front-line starter.”

Gray, 28, is in the midst of a dreadful 2018 campaign. He’s pitched to a 5.34 ERA (4.41 FIP) over 96 innings. His last two starts have been solid, shutting down the Orioles and holding the Mets to three runs, only one earned. Those, however, came against struggling teams. While it’s possible that he streamlined his repertoire and will have sustained success, he will need to show a lot more to prove that.

The right-hander’s home-road splits have also been well documented this year. Gray owns a 7.62 ERA at Yankee Stadium, compared to 3.62 on the road. Batters are hitting .304/.402/.536 against him in the Bronx. That’s basically worst-case scenario stuff.

As for the rumor, I don’t think there’s much to it. Of course teams are scouting Gray. I’m sure a number of clubs would love to get him as a buy-low starter, hoping he bounces back into his Oakland form. That said, I see no reason for Brian Cashman to move him. The Yankees need to add starters, not subtract from the rotation. They want Gray to bounce back alongside a new addition. Besides, what prospects would he fetch? Would they be significant enough to pry loose an ace, which isn’t available in today’s market? That all seems a little too convoluted.