MLB Trade Rumors: Pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez Set To Join New York Yankees, Rival GM Says

The New York Yankees are reportedly the frontrunner to get free agent hurler Ubaldo Jimenez, regardless of whether or not they win the bidding war for Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka, a source close to the situation reported earlier this week.

The free-spending Yankees are at it again, chasing expensive free agents at all costs. On Monday, Real GM reported that the Yankees are the likely destination for Jimenez, who has yet to find a new team after two seasons with the Cleveland Indians.

According to Boston Herald baseball insider Nick Cafardo, Jimenez's solid performance in the second half of the 2013 season will allow him to get a lucrative paycheck this winter, and the Yankees sound like the most ideal destination for the hard-throwing right-hander.

"A few GMs I spoke with recently feel the Yankees may wind up with Jimenez, even if they land Masahiro Tanaka. "He had an excellent second half, has great stuff, and he has the type of personality that would fit New York," one GM said, according to Cafardo in his latest report. "He doesn't let things get to him. He's good at shrugging off things and turning the page."

Yankees To Load Up Rotation    

Already boasting Cy Young winner in C.C Sabathia and a handful of above-average starting pitchers (Hiroki Kuroda and Ivan Nova), the Yankees could add more firepower to their lineup by bringing in a hurler of Jimenez's caliber.

Jimenez is a career 3.92 ERA hurler with 1,172 strikeouts on his belt. Last season, he had a rough start before coming up with a strong second half surge to finish the season with a 13-9 record, 3.30 ERA and 194 strikeouts.

However, the Yankees are expected to push hard in their attempt to get Tanaka, who will command around $100 million (not including the $20 million posting). The Japanese hurler went 24-0 with a 1.27 ERA for the Rakuten Eagles last season, making him the hottest free agent available on the market.

"While Jimenez remains on New York's radar, the club is still expected to pursue Masahiro Tanaka. Though they'd like to remain under the $189 million tax threshold, Yankees higher-ups have repeatedly said that the tax threshold line is only a goal and not a mandate, leaving open the possibility that the Bronx Bombers land two of the biggest free agent pitchers on the market," via Latin Times.