Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported this morning that the Yankees and Mariners are close to a deal that would send Cliff Lee to the Yankees for prospects Jesus Montero and David Adams.
(It would seem the Mariners would want more, and there are other teams still in pursuit, so it’s not done, the Post noted.)
Tyler Kepner of the New York Times confirmed through his sources that “progress is being made.”
If the Yankees acquire Lee, who is owed roughly $4.5 million for the rest of this season, they could then send Javier Vazquez somewhere for a hitter, perhaps to the Phillies for Jayson Werth. It would also allow them to put Phil Hughes back in the bullpen later in the season, as he approaches 175 innings.
If these deals come through, it make the Yankees, who already have the best record in baseball, all the more formidable for 2010. Even if they decided not to sign Lee and/or Werth at the end of the year, they would get draft picks to replace the prospects they give up.
It’s not a win-win; if they signed both to long-term deals, it would limit their roster flexibility for years to come.
Lee is pitching in Seattle tonight, but will it be for or against the Yankees?
