Trade Rumors: New York Yankees Interested in Marlon Byrd
By Adam Hughes
Jul 6, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Philadelphia Phillies right fielder Marlon Byrd (3) hits an RBI single against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
One of the Cincinnati Reds’ main targets as the 2014 trade deadline approaches may soon be off the board. According to Jayson Stark, the New York Yankees are interested in acquiring Philadelphia Phillies’ outfielder Marlon Byrd:
Source says #Mariners are "out" on Marlon Byrd. Still some legs to rumblings linking Byrd & #Yankees but Yankees wary of 2016 vesting option
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) July 30, 2014
Two of the stumbling blocks in trading Byrd have been his no-trade clause and the accompanying $8 million vesting option for 2016. While the Yankees would probably prefer not to risk large chunks of change for a player in his late 30s, finances are generally less of a concern for the Bronx Bombers than they are for, say, the REDS.
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If a bidding war were to break out for Byrd’s services, you have to think the Yanks could outspend Cincinnati when push came to shove. If he wants to win a title, Byrd would likely angle for a deal with the Yankees over one with the Reds, too, because it’s unlikely at this point that Cincy can climb back into the race.