Yankees trade rumors: Chapman, Beltran will be moved if club struggles continue

New York will trade potential impending free agents Aroldis Chapman and Carlos Beltran if the club is unable to gain ground in the American League East and Wild Card standings, according to FOX Sports’ Ken Rosenthal.

Although several Yankees relievers have reportedly been drawing interest and have been mentioned in trade rumors, this is the first indication of New York’s approach to the August 1 non-waiver trade deadline.

Lefty Andrew Miller has been linked to numerous clubs, including the Cubs, but a trade seems unlikely, since he still has two seasons under club control.

Chapman, 28, is having a solid season as New York’s closer, pitching to a 2.39 ERA and 1.81 FIP over 26.1 innings. He has saved 17 games and could slide into a setup or closing role for teams seeking bullpen upgrades.

In a potential trade, the Yankees might have to include cash to help a new club pay the remainder of Chapman’s $11.35 million salary.

With Fernando Rodney and Brad Ziegler traded to the Marlins and Red Sox, respectively, Chapman could be the next best available reliever.

While Chapman has been regularly mentioned in rumors, Beltran hasn’t been connected to many teams this summer. He’s having his best season since 2013, batting .298/.336/.546 with 19 home runs and 58 RBIs.

Beltran, 39, has proven to be a productive option for the Yankees in center field and could be attractive to teams hoping to upgrade their outfields. However, given Beltran’s age and free agent status at the end of the season, New York might also be in a position to pay some of his remaining $15 million salary in a trade.

New York enters play Saturday eight and a half games behind the Orioles in the division and five and a half games back in the Wild Card standings. If the club continues to struggle, some variation of a sale might be imminent.