The Yankees and Cubs have talked about a trade that would bring Kyle Schwarber to the Bronx, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, who notes that the trade talks have not yet gained momentum.
The Cubs have made it clear that they're open to trading from their core that includes Schwarber, Kris Bryant, and Willson Contreras, with Theo Epstein saying earlier this offseason that "change is not always easy but it's necessary" and that "there are no untouchables."
Schwarber is expected to make $8 million in 2020 via arbitration and is arbitration-eligible for a final time in 2021. He is eligible for free agency after the 2020 season.
For the Yankees, Schwarber -- whose defensive issues in the outfield have been well-documented -- could be a fit in left field if the team uses Brett Gardner in center, Aaron Judge in right, and Giancarlo Stanton as the DH while Aaron Hicks is recovering from Tommy John surgery.
Regarding what it could take to get Schwarber if talks pick up, SNY contributor John Harper suggested on Nov. 17 that the Yankees could offer Miguel Andujar to Chicago.
As things currently stand, the Yankees will likely go into the 2020 season with Gio Urshela or Andujar at third base, Gleyber Torres at shortstop, and DJ LeMahieu at second base, with first base potentially being handled by Luke Voit.
If the Cubs also trade Bryant -- and Chicago feels Andujar can be adequate defensively at third base -- Andujar could be even more of a fit.
Harper added that the Yankees asked about Schwarber as far back in 2016 as part of the talks that eventually led to the Aroldis Chapman for Torres trade.
Schwarber, 26, hit .250/.339/.531 with 38 homers and 29 doubles in 155 games for the Cubs in 2019.
After tearing his ACL in 2016 and missing the entire regular season, Schwarber has been durable, playing in 129, 137, and 155 games respectively over the last three seasons.
