READY FOR SONNY GRAY?

Don't look now, but your calendar is about to flip to July.

(June 24, 2017 - Source: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images North America)     

The season is almost half over and the Yankees are literally limping towards the All-Star break. The DL is becoming a very popular destination for the everyday Yankee players. The bullpen is gassed as a result of the starters not going deep into games. The Yankees are losing the games they should be winning, and in my eyes at least, the manager, Mr. Girardi seems lackadaisical about it.

With the trade deadline approaching, the rumors are starting to fly. People will be talking about what their team should do and who they want their team to chase. In fact, some rumors have already started to surface.

According to this piece on NJ.com and a story that actually originated from Jeff Passan at Yahoo Sports, the Yankees and Red Sox might be battling to land Athletics pitcher Sonny Gray.

(June 19, 2017 - Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America)     

"As the Yankees continue to fade and look in dire need of reinforcements, the AL East standings paint a picture of a postseason race that will go down to the wire--likely between the rival Yankees and Red Sox...

According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo, Sonny Gray--one of the big-name pitchers linked to New York--is currently being chased by four teams: Yankees, Cubs, Astros and the Boston Red Sox.
Yes, a Yankees-Red Sox battle for Gray could commence with A's czar Billy Beane holding the cards.

Gray is thus far the belle of the trade-season ball, though it's early yet. What's becoming more obvious is that it's not just the Yankees, Astros and Cubs that are in on Gray.

The Boston Red Sox have quietly sent some of their most respected evaluators to his last two starts. This could fall under standard due diligence, but one source familiar with their intentions said the Red Sox are keen for Gray - and when president Dave Dombrowski targets a player, the price for other teams jumps accordingly."

Photo: Getty Images

Look, the Yankees are a team that is supposed to be rebuilding while still being able to compete. They weren't supposed to be in first place in late June, yet they are essentially tied with the Sox.

So here's the question; Is this a trade that would be worth a bidding war with the Red Sox, Cubs, and Astros over? With those 3 other teams, bidding could be way too expensive for what it might be worth. Sure Gray is good, and 27 years old, but he owns a 4.45 ERA.

To be honest, I'm not even sure who to even suggest the Yankees trade for Gray.  It could get complicated. 

What do you think? Comment.

--Michael Carnesi
BYB Writer
Follow me on Twitter: @sevn4evr