Yankees Trade Rumors: Steven Matz Talks Held with Mets Amid NYY's Injury Issues

The New York Yankees find themselves lacking depth in the starting rotation heading into this season, with Luis Severino out for the season, James Paxton out until May and Domingo German suspended for the first 63 games of the season. 

But according to Mike Puma and Ken Davidoff of the New York Post, the Yankees have shown interest in New York Mets starting pitcher Steven Matz. 

Per that report, "the Yankees have contacted the Mets about Matz's potential availability, according to industry sources. The Mets are willing to listen, but there is skepticism that momentum for a deal will build this early in the calendar."

Andy Martino of SNY also threw cold water on the prospect of Matz ending up on the Yankees:

It would appear the asking price from the Mets will be too high for the Yankees' taste, per Puma and Davidoff:

"Among the reasons for skepticism that a deal can be struck is the Mets would seek a major-league-ready position player in return, as opposed to prospects. Miguel Andujar, given his ability to play multiple positions, would likely be a player of interest for the Mets. The belief is the Yankees aren't desperate enough for a pitcher to part with Andujar."

With Rick Porcello and Michael Wacha added this offseason, the Mets find themselves with viable starting depth, even after losing Zach Wheeler in free agency. Matz may be considered surplus to requirements, though he also could start the season as an option out of the bullpen. 

The Mets utilized him in such a role briefly last season. Matz had an up-and-down year in 2019, going 11-10 with a 4.21 ERA, 1.34 WHIP and 153 strikeouts in 160.1 innings (30 starts, 32 appearances). He would be an upgrade for the Yankees given their rotational issues, offering the team a solid option behind Gerrit Cole, Masahiro Tanaka and J.A. Happ. 

Rather than pay a premium, however, the Yankees could turn to their farm system to weather the early-season storm. They certainly are accustomed to doing so after battling a onslaught of injuries a year ago and still reaching the postseason.