The Chicago Cubs are not close on a deal that would send outfielder Alfonso Soriano to the New York Yankees, countering previous reports that came out Tuesday.
The New York Post first reported that the two teams were discussing a deal for Soriano who has $24 million left on his current contract.
Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune was told by a Cubs source that the club is discussing a trade with the Yankees involving Alfonso Soriano, but that conversations are preliminary and they are “not close” to a deal yet.
The Cubs already have dealt Matt Garza, Scott Feldman, Scott Hairston and Carlos Marmol this season.
Soriano was asked about the trade rumors on Monday, “I don’t want to talk (about it) and I don’t want to hear my name in trade deadline (rumors). But it’s part of the game. But I don’t want to pay attention (to it).” he said.
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Soriano said he wasn’t sure if he wanted to go someplace because he might not feel “comfortable” for the final two months on a new team.
Soriano, 37, is in his seventh season with the Cubs. He spent the first five seasons of his MLB career with the Yankees before making stops in Texas and Washington.
Sullivan writes that both sides appear motivated to make a deal. Soriano would have to waive his no-trade clause while the Cubs would have to cover the bulk of the $24 million remaining on his contract.
The Yankees would probably send a lower-level prospect in return. Triple-A reliever Chase Whitley was scouted by the Cubs over the weekend. The right handed Whitley has appeared in 19 games for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre with a 3.52 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP.
On the season Soriano is hitting .256/.286/.471 with 17 home runs and 51 RBI.
