What would it take for the Yankees to make a trade for Stephen Strasburg or Jordan Zimmermann?

After months and months of speculation, Max Scherzer finally made a decision to sign with the Nationals this week. Prior to that, the most interesting starting pitcher who could realistically be traded was Cole Hamels. Unfortunately for the Phillies, the Nats' addition of Scherzer means that they now have a surplus of starting pitchers and they just might be looking to make a trade. Rumors circulated earlier in the week that the Nationals and Stephen Strasburg might be ready to part ways, but his agent (Scott Boras) was quick to refute those claims. Still, barring injury, the Nationals could move one of their starting pitchers and the Yankees rotation could certainly use the help. Could the Yankees possibly make a deal with the Nationals for Strasburg or Jordan Zimmermann and what kind of package would it take?

Now that Scherzer is off the table, there are only a limited number of ways that the Yankees can improve their current rotation. James Shields is still available, along with several pitchers who have been rehabbing major injuries, like Brandon Beachy. The Yankees seem uninterested in spending substantial money for the rest of the offseason, so unless they do make a trade, we might be stuck with a rotation that includes Chris Capuano. While Zimmermann's name has also been thrown out there as a potential trade candidate, it would make more sense for the Yankees to sign Strasburg, if they could chose between the two. Zimmermann only has one year left on his contract, and he's two years older than Strasburg. While both are very talented pitchers, the Yankees would likely have to give up a lot to make a trade for either of them, and it wouldn't be in their best interest to do so with Zimmermann only being a one-year rental. Strasburg, on the other hand, won't reach free agency until the end of 2016.

The Yankees would obviously have to put together quite a package in order to make a trade like this happen, but the Nationals do have some areas where they need help, so the idea of the two teams agreeing on a trade isn't totally outside of the realm of possibility. Jayson Werth just had shoulder surgery last week, and he probably won't be done with rehab in time to start the season, so the Nationals could use another outfielder. They also could use a second baseman, after losing last year's fill-in, Asdrubal Cabrera, to free agency. While they did trade for Yunel Escobar recently, the Nationals don't have a lot of depth at second base in their system. Every team could use bullpen help, so they would probably be open to relievers as well. If the Nationals insisted on a package including the Yankees' best prospects, then that might feature Luis Severino and Aaron Judge and wipe out the farm system. Now that they have Andrew Miller, the Yankees might be able to make a trade package around Dellin Betances instead, but they would have to strongly consider whether strengthening the rotation would be worth it.

What do you think the Yankees would have to give up to make a trade for Strasburg or Zimmermann, and would you make that deal?