Nick Swisher: Could the Yankees' Right Fielder Be Swapped for Jake Peavy?

It's no secret that the Yankees' pitching staff has struggled out of the gates this season, and there may be a solution to that problem if Brian Cashman chooses to part with his right fielder.

Nick Swisher will be a free agent this offseason, and it's unknown as to whether or not the team will be able to re-sign him given their new financial plan.

If the team is set on not bringing back their enthusiastic right fielder, then they should strongly consider unloading him at the deadline to get something for his services.

With pitching a clear need for the Yankees, Cashman could make a few calls to other teams regarding available starters. One such call could be made to Chicago White Sox general manager Kenny Williams regarding the availability of Jake Peavy.

FOX Sports' Jon Morosi asked Peavy about his feelings on a trade, to which he responded: 

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Jake Peavy on trade possibility: “If that comes about, I’ll welcome that and do what I’m asked to do. But I’d love to be in Chicago.”

— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) May 9, 2012

 

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Peavy has put together a resurgent 2012 season thus far, posting a 3-1 record with a 1.99 ERA. He has already tossed two complete games—one of which was a shutout—and has rung up 39 batters through 45.1 innings.

A trade for Swisher would allow the White Sox to shift Alex Rios to center field and Alejandro De Aza back to a bench role.

For the Yankees, right field would not be difficult to fill.

Raul Ibanez has shown the ability to play some outfield so far this season, and although he'll be a defensive downgrade from Swisher, he can provide passable defense in right.

This would create an opening at designated hitter, which would allow Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter to see more time there.

Eduardo Nunez's bat could then be inserted in the lineup.

The overall team defense would suffer from having both Nunez and Ibanez in the field, but the pitching staff would be much improved with a healthy Peavy behind CC Sabathia.