The Hot Stove started to buzz on Tuesday when a report circulated that the Yankees and White Sox have discussed a trade that would send left-hander José Quintana and closer David Robertson to New York. However, a source told MLB.com that those talks have not really progressed and that the report is overstating the seriousness of the discussions.
USA Today reported Tuesday morning that New York was interested in acquiring both Quintana and Robertson from the White Sox, who would eat a portion of the $25 million remaining on Robertson's deal. The New York Post later reported that the Yankees have not discussed acquiring both players. The clubs have not commented on the reports.
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The Yankees have been one of a handful of teams linked to the 27-year-old Quintana, who's under club control through 2020. A source told MLB.com on Tuesday it's "50/50" Quintana will be dealt before the start of Spring Training, but reiterated the team's asking price for Quintana remains high, especially with the prospect package it received from Boston in exchange for Chris Sale.
Robertson has also been on the trade market, but the Tuesday morning report of the White Sox eating a portion of Robertson's salary isn't a move they typically make. And in this instance, adding Robertson to a potential Quintana deal without eating money would lessen the return, which defeats the rebuild purpose.
Robertson has a 3.44 ERA and 71 saves in two seasons with Chicago since signing a four-year, $46 million deal before the 2015 season.