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Yankees catcher Chris Stewart is reportedly drawing trade interest for some unknown reason. He finished as one of the best pitch framers in the league, though his defense is about league-average and his bat is useless, so someone must be looking for a defensive-minded catcher to help their starting rotation steal some strikes.
The team is also looking to avoid arbitration with Stewart at the same time. He made $515,100 in 2013 and is projected to make $1 million this season, so the Yankees will be looking to avoid arbitration all together and agree to a deal, if they don't end up trading him. A resolution is thought to be coming by the end of the weekend, where he will either re-sign, get traded, or get non-tendered.
The Twins, White Sox, Rangers, Mariners, and Cubs could all be looking at the 31-year-old backstop. Being able to trade him would be a godsend for the Yankees, especially if they're able to get something remotely valuable back. The Yankees have Francisco Cervelli, J.R. Murphy, and Austin Romine to compete for a backup role behind new catcher Brian McCann. Ridding themselves of Stewart would make Cervelli the leading candidate for a major league job in 2014.
