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The Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees seem to be closing in on a deal that would send Alfonso Soriano to the Bronx, according to multiple reports.
While a major league source confirmed on Wednesday that the Yankees were "one of several teams" who have been discussing Soriano with the Cubs, the slugger's comments to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Chicago Sun-Times make it seem like the Yankees are the most likely destination.
Of all trade rumors, Soriano says this one most real. "Not 100%" but "I think it is that close, yeah"
— Gordon Wittenmyer (@GDubCub) July 24, 2013
Soriano, who has a full no-trade clause, met with Cubs president Theo Epstein on Tuesday night and gave him a list of teams that he would be willing to join.
The Yankees are among the teams on the list, according to MLB.com's Carrie Muskat, meaning that the team has Soriano's blessing as they try to come to terms on a deal with the Bronx Bombers. As Epstein told Muskat, Soriano's list is not the final step in the process of trading him.
Theo: "He'll let us know where he'll go, if anywhere. At that point, it's up to us if we want to move forward and finalize a deal." #Cubs
— Carrie Muskat (@CarrieMuskat) July 25, 2013
The next logical step will be for the Yankees and Cubs to come to terms on the return for Soriano, who is owed rougly $24.9 million over the next two seasons. Chicago is expected to take on the bulk of that contract, and the player(s) that they will receive from the Yankees depends on the amount of salary they are willing to pick up.
The Cubs have been scouting the Yankees' High-A affiliate in Tampa, according to a source. The source also notes that 24-year old right-hander Joel De La Cruz, who is 5-2 with a 2.51 ERA with Tampa on the season, is among the players possibly headed to the Cubs.
Chicago has also shown interest in pitcher Chase Whitley and infielder David Adams, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post.
More from MLB Daily Dish:
- First report: Yankees close to acquiring Alfonso Soriano?
- Robinson Cano likely headed for free agency
- Yankees rumors: New York inquired on Padres' Chase Headley
- A-Rod facing potential lifetime ban?
- Rangers trade for Matt Garza
