Around this time two summers ago, the Yankees landed Sonny Gray. The trade with the A's was supposed to be the deal that landed them an ace. Gray's tenure in New York was ultimately a forgettable one, at points looking like he'd never return to the blossoming arm he was in Oakland.

Now with the Cincinnati Reds, Gray is an All-Star.

"I wouldn't change the ups and downs that I had experienced on a personal level and on the baseball field level," Gray said to Ken Davidoff of the New York Post. "Because coming back to an All-Star Game, it's just kind of, I can't describe the feeling. It's very special."

It's no secret that the AL East-leading Yankees will be looking to upgrade their roster prior to the trade deadline on July 31. It was clear before the Edwin Encarnacion trade, but the team's primary focus will be starting pitching. 

We know that the organization will make a move, but when and for whom remain to be seen. The real question is, what type of move(s) can be expected from GM Brian Cashman? 

Each summer, big names are tossed through the rumor mill, and 2019 has been no different. The biggest names circulated thus far range from Madison Bumgarner, Trevor Bauer and potentially Max Scherzer. While the flash and attention of elite names always creates intrigue, it's worth taking a look at similar past opportunities and what the Yankees have done in those situations. 

As promised by GM Brian Cashman, the Yankees parted ways with RHP Sonny Gray this offseason as his short tenure in New York didn't pan out the way both sides believed it could have. Gray racked up a 4.90 ERA in 2018, with the Yankees forcing him to the bullpen toward the end of the season as he couldn't figure out his struggles on the mound. 

But Gray took this offseason to regroup and learn what exactly went wrong with the Bombers, and he thinks he knows why he wasn't the effective pitcher he has been since breaking into the league in 2013. 

The Yankees were forcing Gray to throw a slider -- a pitch he wasn't comfortable with. 

Whether one believes this is Jordan Montgomery being critical of the Yankees for trading Sonny Gray depends on one's interpretation. But at the very least, Montgomery believes the Reds did a great piece of business in acquring Gray last month and signing him to a three-year, $30.5 million contract extension.

"Cincinnati got a steal," Montgomery told NJ.com on Thursday.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman was very public about his intent to move Gray, and he finally did on Jan. 21 in what was essentially a three-way trade. The Yankees received a 2019 Competitive Balance Round A draft pick and 2B Shed Long from Cincinnati; the Yanks then sent Long to Seattle for OF Josh Stowers; the Reds received Gray and LHP Reiver Sanmartin. 

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Long before erasing Sonny Gray from memory, the Yankees pulled off a similarly wishful trade for James Paxton with the hope that he will succeed where Gray could not -- by ascending to the top of the club's rotation depth chart. The Yankees were mistaken with Gray and the team absolutely cannot endure a repeat experience with the 30-year-old Paxton.

We've already described why Luis Severino might not be able to carry the Yankees rotation alone, and as such, Paxton's performance in 2019 is tantamount to the club's success...

It's not you, it's me.

The aftermath of the Sonny Gray and New York Yankees breakup revealed the right-hander has no explanation for what went wrong in New York. Whatever it was about the Bronx that made Gray pitch like a ghost of himself, rather than Oakland's All-Star ground-ball pitcher, served as a point of self-reflection for the 29-year-old.

"That's the question, isn't it?" Gray told reporters during a conference call on Tuesday when asked what went wrong. "I'm not going to lie. I felt comfortable taking the mound. I felt good. It just didn't work out. I don't know. I don't have an answer."

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter | Yankees GM Brian Cashman has made precious few mistakes in recent years while building a young playoff team via trades and home-grown player development, but his whiff on Sonny Gray officially went into the books on Monday when he traded the starting pitcher for a prospect and a draft choice.

Even if the return on the three-way trade with the Reds and Mariners produces value in the coming years -- and the Yankees are high on a 21-year old outfielder named Josh Stowers -- Gray's failure in New York can't be erased.

Ideally he was supposed to be something akin to what Justin Verlander was for the Astros -- a final piece of a championship puzzle. Instead, Gray left Yankee decision-makers dumbfounded by his apparent inability to cope with pitching in New York.

Josh Stowers is a 21-year-old outfielder who was a second-round pick in last year's MLB draft.

He's also the newest Yankee.

New York acquired Stowers from the Mariners on Monday in the same trade that sent RHP Sonny Gray to the Cincinnati Reds. The Yankees will receive the Reds' 2019 competitive balance Round A pick (No. 36 overall), while the Mariners will receive Reds second base prospect Shed Long. Cincinnati will also receive Yankees minor league LHP Reiver Sanmartin.

The Yankees traded pitcher Sonny Gray to the Cincinnati Reds, and the right-hander has reached an extension with his new team.

He reportedly signed a three-year, $30.5 million extension covering 2020-22, with a club option for '23.

The deal is part of a three-way trade with the Seattle Mariners. Second base prospect Shed Long, acquired from the trade for Gray, is headed to the Mariners. Seattle is sending center field prospect Josh Stowers to New York. The Yankees also received the Reds' 2019 Competitive Balance Round A draft pick (No. 36 overall), giving New York two of the first 36 picks and three of the top 68. The Yankees also traded left-handed minor league pitcher Reiver Sanmartin to the Reds.

The Yankees were finalizing a trade of Sonny Gray to the Reds on Saturday, reported Jon Heyman of FanCred, but the deal has not yet become official.

The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal noted Sunday that one potential delay in the deal being completed could be that the Reds are trying to sign Gray to an extension first.

Gray and the Reds have until the end of the day Monday to agree to an extension, according to Heyman. Should they not reach an agreement, it is possible the Yankees could negotiate with other teams, as Heyman notes the Giants, A's, Brewers and Braves could be in the mix.

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

As spring training approaches, there are still some roster decisions in front of the Yankees as they try to push to the head of the pack in the American League in the chase for a 28th World Series title. 

Here is an update of rumors surrounding the Yankees pursuits, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out…

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees will be adding another elite arm to an already dominant bullpen, giving the club a certain advantage over virtually the entire league.

New York and free-agent right-handed reliever Adam Ottavino agreed to a three-year, $27 million deal on Thursday, SNY.tv's Andy Martino confirmed.

While the Yankees are making trades that may be surprising fans this offseason, there's still an expected deal remaining.

The Yankees are getting closer to trading Sonny Gray, according to a report from Fancred's Jon Heyman. In addition to Gray, teams are also asking about Tommy Kahnle and Jonathan Holder. 

Per Heyman, things were "ramping up" in talks centering around Gray since CC Sabathia was given clearance to pitch. Heyman also recently reported at least six teams are interested in the right-hander, which includes the Reds, Padres, Brewers, A's, Mariners and Braves.

The Yankees received some good news about LHP CC Sabathia.

Sabathia, who underwent a heart procedure last month, passed a follow-up stress test on Tuesday. Now, the veteran is allowed to work out, which includes baseball activities. 

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said during a conference call last week that he has been waiting to deal RHP Sonny Gray until he was sure Sabathia would be healthy enough to play next season. With Sabathia just getting back on the grind, Cashman may not be too hasty in sparking a trade for Gray, but it wouldn't be a surprise to hear talks have ramped up again.

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees have reached the offseason many believed would see them make monumental moves that push them back to the head of the pack in the American League as they aim for a 28th World Series title. 

Here is an update of rumors surrounding the Yankees pursuits, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out...

Yankees GM Brian Cashman declared back at the GM Meetings that he was working hard to ship beleaguered RHP Sonny Gray out of the Bronx via trade before Spring Training begins. 

Well, things might have changed on that front. 

Last month, The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal broke the news that Yankees veteran LHP CC Sabathia needed a heart procedure known as an angioplasty to fix a blocked artery. The surgery went as expected, and Sabathia was said to be ready by the time Spring Training came around. 

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees have reached the offseason many believed would see them make monumental moves that push them back to the head of the pack in the American League as they aim for a 28th World Series title. 

Here is an update of rumors surrounding the Yankees pursuits, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out.

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees have reached the offseason many believed would see them make monumental moves that push them back to the head of the pack in the American League as they aim for a 28th World Series title. 

Here is an update of rumors surrounding the Yankees pursuits, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out…

Yankees working on bullpen market

As the Yankees await a decision from Manny Machado, the club is reportedly working on revamping its bullpen according to a tweet from Jon Heyman.

Yankees GM Brian Cashman said this offseason one of his priorities was to trade RHP Sonny Gray, and one team that has reportedly showed continued interest is the Milwaukee Brewers.

Milwaukee has "remained prominent" in trade discussions regarding Gray, according to Fox Sports' Jon Morosi, after the Winter Meetings ended, while the Cincinnati Reds, who have since acquired pitchers Tanner Roark and Alex Wood, have slowed their interest.

Cashman said at the Winter Meetings that 11 different teams have expressed interest in Gray, a 29-year-old starter who was relegated to the bullpen in 2018 after his immense struggles on the mound.

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives: The Yankees would be better with Manny Machado on the roster and it's a move that the team should make. However, the extent to which Machado improves the club is unknown and the notion that the offseason will be a failure if the Yanks cannot sign the 26-year-old is not entirely true.

Here are four reasons why...

The Yanks have a third baseman and a shortstop

John Harper, SNY.tv | Twitter |

With trade speculation dominating the offseason, here's a list of Yankees who have been rumored in deals, where they rank them from most likely to be traded to least likely, and why.

1. RHP Sonny Gray

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees have reached the offseason many believed would see them make monumental moves that push them back to the head of the pack in the American League as they aim for a 28th World Series title. 

Here is an update of rumors surrounding the Yankees pursuits, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out...

Happ signing doesn't preclude trade

The Yankees may not want Sonny Gray on their team anymore, but they are certainly holding him in high regard for any potential suitors. 

Per Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees asked the Cincinnati Reds for top outfield prospect Taylor Tramell in exchange for the right-hander. 

The Reds declined, of course. 

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The Yankees and Mets ignited the hot stove in Las Vegas at the Winter Meetings Monday night when word broke that the clubs were trying to work a three-team deal with the Marlins that would net the Yanks right-handed pitcher Noah Syndergaard and the Mets, catcher J.T. Realmuto.

Eventually, the smoke settled, as SNY's Andy Martino reported that the Yankees are interested in the Mets starting pitching as a whole (Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz would seem the logical options), and not just Syndergaard. 

How would each pitcher help the Yankees?

Anthony McCarron, SNY.tv | Twitter |

James Paxton is a terrific addition to the Yankees rotation and whatever relief pieces GM Brian Cashman lures to the Bronx likely will be key bullpen figures in 2019, too. Cashman also wants another starting pitcher. 
 
Whoever those hurlers are, though, they won't make the kind of splash that signing Bryce Harper or Manny Machado would. Heck, or both. This is the Yankees we're talking about, after all. 
 
Nor will the new pitchers impact the Yankee payroll in quite the same way as the 26-year-old mega-stars, who are projected by some this winter to stomp Giancarlo Stanton's record $325 million contract. 

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives: The Yankees have reached the offseason many believed would see them make monumental moves that push them back to the head of the pack in the American League, as they aim for a 28th World Series title.

Here is an update of rumors surrounding the Yankees pursuits, followed by my take on how things currently stand and may shake out...

Corbin heads to Washington, Yankees to drawing board

Yankees GM Brian Cashman is still working hard to ship Sonny Gray out of the Bronx, and there are reportedly a couple teams interested in a trade.

Milwaukee and San Diego have spoken to the Yankees about acquiring Gray, a source confirmed to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, joining a long list of teams that have inquired about the 29-year-old starter. 

SNY's Andy Martino has noted that Cashman is waiting for "the right deal," as at least 11 teams have reportedly checked in with him. Cashman tendered Gray a contract this past Friday, but the pitcher is expected to be wearing another uniform before the 2019 season.

On Friday, the Yankees tendered all 40 contracts on their 40-man roster. However, one of those players that was tendered a contract is expected to be out the door soon.

GM Brian Cashman has made it clear he is working hard to trade RHP Sonny Gray, and get a good package in return for the 28-year-old. Since Gray came over in 2017, he has fallen short of his expectations, and the Yankees want to find him a new home where he will hope to resurrect his dominance on the bump.

And the Yankees have several suitors around the league for Gray. SNY's Andy Martino noted Cashman saying "a lot of teams" were inquiring about Gray, but he wanted to wait for "the right deal." There are reportedly 11 teams on the list, with the Reds and A's among them.

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter | Even after trading for Seattle ace James Paxton, the Yankees are looking to acquire a high-end starting pitcher, according to major league sources. Free agent Patrick Corbin is the most likely target, but J.A. Happ and Dallas Keuchel are also in the mix.

The Yanks have stayed engaged with Cleveland regarding Corey Kluber and other starters, but the Indians' prices are high.

Mutual interest between the Yankees and Corbin is real, but the lefty also appeals to the Phillies and Mets, among other teams...

Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |

The Yankees have multiple offers on the table for RHP Sonny Gray and are in the process of weighing them, according to major league sources.

GM Brian Cashman has been open about Gray's need for a change of scenery, after the righty struggled in the Bronx. Despite selling low, the Yankees should bring back some legitimate talent in the trade, because of his upside, and the ever-present need for pitching.

The Yankees hope to re-sign CC Sabathia, aim to add multiple pitchers via trade or free agency and have received interest in Sonny Gray, GM Brian Cashman told reporters at GM Meetings on Monday.

"We need to reinforce our pitching, so we'll do the best we can with that," Cashman said, according to MLB.com's Bryan Hoch. "That seems to be a yearly effort."

The Yankees will enter the 2019 season with Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka as staples from last season's rotation and could also put top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield in the mix, but Cashman said he hopes the team will re-sign Sabathia, who has been with the Yankees since 2009.

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives: The Yankees typically traverse the offseason like a wild cat laying in the weeds, readying to pounce on the move that fits into the organization's methodological game plan. With the GM Meetings set to begin Monday, what might be areas where the Yankees concentrate their efforts?

This offseason likely won't be any different than the past, although the cat might take some early morsels before devouring the bulk of its prey. The Yankees established their priorities immediately after their ouster from the playoffs -- again a consistent part of the overall strategy.

Make space

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

The stars, literally and figuratively, have lined up for the Yankees to make a splash this winter.

The burden of heavy league taxes has been removed and a robust free-agent market is before them. The Yankees worked for years to diminish payroll expenditures with an eye toward the 2019 season.

The Yankees have nine arbitration-eligible players this offseason. Six of them are locks to be offered arbitration, and three of them have a more uncertain Yankees future.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, here's what they're projected to make if offered arbitration, and what the rest of their contract situation is. We'll first tackle the locks to be offered arbitration, followed by the question marks...

Locks

Here are the key 2018 MLB offseason dates, and how they impact the Mets...

Day after World Series ends: Free agency begins

Outfielder Bryce Harper and shortstop/third baseman Manny Machado headline the free agent class, and the Yanks are expected to have interest in at least Machado. But the Yankees' main need will be starting pitching help, and Patrick Corbin, Dallas Keuchel and old friend Nathan Eovaldi will be among the best arms available. When it comes to relievers, Craig Kimbrel, Adam Ottavino, and Jeurys Familia will be among the headliners as the Yankees could look to recreate their "super bullpen."

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives: As the Yankees look toward the 2019 season, the starting rotation will be chief among the facets the club will seek to improve. They need an ace. They need a strong No. 2 and heck, they need a back-end of the rotation arm.

As it stands, the Yankees have two starters -- Luis Severino and Masahiro Tanaka -- locked into roster spots. Yankees GM Brian Cashman has already stated he will try to trade Sonny Gray, while J.A. Happ and CC Sabathia are free agents.

So, how will the Yankees build the 2019 rotation?

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

Right after being eliminated in the ALDS, questions stirred regarding the slew of free agents that are on the Yankees' roster. Who should stay and who should go?

Zach Britton

Greg Bird has been left off of the Yankees' American League Wild Card roster as the Bombers are set to face the A's on Wednesday night.

The first baseman only appeared in just seven of New York's 27 games in September, starting only three times. 

The 25-year-old hit just .199 this season with 11 home runs and 38 RBI in 82 games.

The Twins scored 10 runs in a span of three innings against the Yankees on Tuesday night and held on for a 10-5 win. >> Box score

1) Happ (16-6) remained undefeated as a Yankee by striking out three batters and shutting down the Twins. In eight starts since being traded from the Blue Jays, Happ is 6-0 with a 2.70 ERA with New York.

2) Miguel Andujar, Giancarlo Stanton and Didi Gregorius each hit run-scoring doubles in a six-run seventh inning as the Yankees moved within eight games of the AL East-leading Red Sox.

The Yankees (81-47) and Orioles (37-92) play game two of their doubleheader on Saturday at 7:05 p.m.

Yankees notes

Today marks the Yankees' fourth doubleheader of the season, their highest total in a season since playing five in 2011. ... The Yankees are 3-1 on their six-game road trip after defeating Baltimore in their series opener on Friday and splitting a 2G series at Miami. ... Have reached 80 wins in their fewest games to start a season since also going 80-47 to begin the 2002 season. ... Own the Majors' best record when their starter tosses at least 6.0IP at 50-7 (.877).

Fresh off a game one victory earlier in the day, the Yankees completed a doubleheader sweep of the Orioles on Saturday night with a 5-1 win. >> Box score

1) Sonny Gray pitched 6.1 scoreless innings and struck out seven batters in the process as he stifled the Orioles' offense into the seventh inning.

2) Austin Romine went 3-for-4 and capped off his day at the plate with a solo home run in the ninth inning. Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Hicks each had RBI singles for the Yankees, who totaled 12 hits in the nightcap. Hicks, Miguel Andujar, and Gleyber Torres contributed two hits each. 

The Yankees got out to an early lead but the bullpen quickly faltered in their 15-7 loss to the Red Sox in Boston. >> Box score

Things to know about tonight's game

1) CC Sabathia wasn't explicitly awful, allowing two runs in three innings while escaping multiple jams, but he turned the game over to the bullpen earlier than they could handle.

Sonny Gray imploded once again as the Yankees couldn't claw back into this one, losing 7-5 to the Orioles in the Bronx. >> Box score

Things to know about tonight's game

1) It's the same story over and over again with Gray. After tossing a great outing in his last start, he took the Yankee Stadium mound on Wednesday and threw a dud. He allowed seven runs on eight hits over 2.2 innings against an Orioles offense he dominated just a few weeks back. As fans booed him off the mound, you got to wonder what the Yankees are thinking of doing with Gray down the road. 

Boos rained down on Yankees RHP Sonny Gray on Wednesday afternoon at Yankee Stadium after he was shelled by the Orioles.

Gray exited after 2.2 innings, having allowed seven runs on eight hits while walking two and striking out three as his ERA for the season rose to 5.56.

With his rotation spot in jeopardy last month, Gray had responded with three strong starts before Wednesday's drubbing -- allowing just three runs in 16.1 innings. 

Chris Carelli, SNY.TV Facebook | Twitter | About Me | Archives

Sometimes, being aggressive in the winter is better than hoping to perform alterations in the summer.

The Yankees will be making phone calls around the league over the next several days, searching to upgrade the club's starting rotation. It is arguable the Yankees made a mistake by not being more vigorous pursuers in the starting pitching market during the winter.

Here is something Yankee fans didn't expect to hear: RHP Sonny Gray could be a potential trade asset. 

At least, that's what FanCred Sports' Jon Heyman has been hearing as the trade market begins to swirl with a little over a week left before the July 31 deadline. 

It is no secret Gray has struggled since coming over to New York from the A's last season. He owns a 4.69 ERA over 30 starts with the Yankees, and even worse, he has a 7.62 ERA at Yankee Stadium this season. 

The Mets have finalized their starting rotation for their Subway Series matchup against the Yankees following the All-Star break.

Noah Syndergaard will get the start on Friday in the series opener against Domingo German, while Steven Matz will pitch on Saturday and Jacob deGrom will be on the mound on Sunday in the series finale. Matz will be opposed by Sonny Gray on Saturday and Masahiro Tanaka will pitch for the Yankees in the series finale. 

Syndergaard will make his second start since returning from the disabled list with a strained ligament in his finger, which forced him to miss more than two months of action.

The Yankees have finalized their starting rotation for their Subway Series matchup against the Mets following the All-Star break.

Domingo German will get the start on Friday in the series opener against Noah Syndergaard, while Sonny Gray will oppose Steven Matz on Saturday. Masahiro Tanaka will pitch for the Yankees in the series finale. 

German limited the Mets to three runs on five hits in six innings on June 9, while Tanaka allowed one run in five innings against the Mets.

Gray has yet to face the Mets this season.