SNY's Andy Martino suggested last week that the Yankees should trade for Blue Jays LHP J.A. Happ, and it appears New York agrees.
The Yankees are among teams interested in trading for the veteran starter, according to MLB Network's Jon Morosi. The Mariners are also mentioned to be in the running.
While the Yankees like Happ, they're not going after him aggressively at this point, according to Martino. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays are not seen as reluctant to trade in division, and rivals sense they're open for business.
It has been known for awhile now that rotation help is what the Yankees are striving for by the trade deadline, and GM Brian Cashman admitted to have called approximately 20 teams to gauge their interest. And with LHP Jordan Montgomery out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the Yankees could use another lefty in the rotation next to CC Sabathia.
Happ has been putting together another fine season, with a 3.48 ERA and 1.06 WHIP over 14 starts. He is also averaging just under six innings per start, which shows consistent outings from him every time out.
Though he is 35 years old, Happ has shown that he is one of the better pitchers in the league, especially when he has eight wins on a sub .500 Blue Jays squad.
After this season, Happ is also an unrestricted free agent as his three-year, $36 million deal expires.