The Yankees have emerged as the front-runner to land Mariners left-hander Cliff Lee, though a deal has yet to be completed, major-league sources say.
Talks between the Yankees and Mariners intensified on Thursday. Lee is scheduled to pitch against the Yankees in Seattle on Friday night.
News of the potential deal, first reported by the New York Post, could spur other suitors to increase their offers. The Rangers and Twins have been aggressive on Lee, and the Mets, Reds and Rays are among the teams that have been on the periphery of the discussions.
But for reasons ranging from the cost in prospects to the approximately $4.5 million remaining on Lee’s contract, the Yankees appear in the best position to complete a deal.
General managers Brian Cashman of the Yankees and Jack Zduriencik of the Mariners have been in discussions for a week, the newspaper reported, and Seattle management was said to be interested in wrapping up any deal before the All-Star break.
The 31-year-old left-hander is 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA this season.
The Yankees' proposed package for Lee reportedly includes catcher Jesus Montero, considered one of the better prospects in Triple-A despite a .253 average with six homers and 34 RBIs through the first three months of the season.
Includes reporting from the New York Post.
Talks between the Yankees and Mariners intensified on Thursday. Lee is scheduled to pitch against the Yankees in Seattle on Friday night.
News of the potential deal, first reported by the New York Post, could spur other suitors to increase their offers. The Rangers and Twins have been aggressive on Lee, and the Mets, Reds and Rays are among the teams that have been on the periphery of the discussions.
But for reasons ranging from the cost in prospects to the approximately $4.5 million remaining on Lee’s contract, the Yankees appear in the best position to complete a deal.
General managers Brian Cashman of the Yankees and Jack Zduriencik of the Mariners have been in discussions for a week, the newspaper reported, and Seattle management was said to be interested in wrapping up any deal before the All-Star break.
The 31-year-old left-hander is 8-3 with a 2.34 ERA this season.
The Yankees' proposed package for Lee reportedly includes catcher Jesus Montero, considered one of the better prospects in Triple-A despite a .253 average with six homers and 34 RBIs through the first three months of the season.
Includes reporting from the New York Post.
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