What should the Yankees want for Sonny Gray?

It may be the longest winter trade in history. For nearly three months now, the Yankees have been slow-cooking a deal for Sonny Gray. You've heard of "players to be named later." This will involve players to be named sometime this century. Gray is being water-tortured for his crimes against the Yankees. He's been linked to 1) Oakland, 2) Cincinnati, 3) Milwaukee, 4) San Diego, 5) Minnesota and/or 6) Seattle. Everybody wants him, except the Yankees.

And why not? We can all read the handwriting on the wall (or is it steel slats?) Once freed from Gotham's hateful, Gammonitic vortex, Gray should thrive. A lot of bums do. Remember AJ Burnett? Ian Kennedy? The Bronze Titan, Jose Contreras? (The best thing about Phil Hughes: He didn't soar in Minnesota.) Sonny's place on our roster will be taken by James Paxton, for whom the Death Star is whipping up expectations. (As it did last year with Sonny.) If Pax turns into The Son of Sonny, the 2019 Yankees will field the same team that finished 8 games behind Boston. Good luck with that!

Lately, the Gray rumor mill has heated up again. A deal looks imminent, maybe before DJ LeMahieu is added to the roster next week. The latest blather involves the Reds, who could send us a young catcher, a young 2B, a sandwich round draft pick, or some variation of the three. (I'd favor a catcher, because Kyle Higashioka doesn't hit, and I'm tired of having to spell his name. Also, we don't need a 2B and Yankee draft picks are a sore spot; we'll simply pick another pitcher on his way to Dr. Tommy John.) 

Today, the Reds no-name generating buzz is Tyler Stephenson, a 22-year-old catcher, a former first-round pick, ranked Cincy's sixth top prospect. Trouble is, he bats RH and played last year in Single A, (where he hit .256). He's two years away, and the Yankees have a pig's roast of catchers down in the dirt leagues. 

Also, let's remember the Iron Rule of Cashman: 

He never - ever - does what the rumors say. 

I think it's a point of pride with him. It's also a brilliant survival strategy. He whispers up a low bar of rumors, which then makes the trade look good. My prediction, (Suzyn:) He'll gin up a three-way - Cash loves threesomes - so dizzying that nobody can rule a winner. Anything can happen: He could add Greg Bird or one of the Scranton Holy Trinity: Chance Adams, Domingo German and Luis Cessa. 

Here's what I see the Yankees needing.

1. A young, MLB-ready catcher, preferably who bats LH. This gives us a potential platoon with Austin Romine, if Gary Sanchez turns into a full Matt Nokes.

2. A professional first-baseman, who hits LH and fields well. A great glove could save our 2019 infield. Luke Voit has the hands of a linebacker. 

3. Young arms, of which no team has too many. You know... Pitching, pitching, pitching...

So, maybe it will happen tomorrow. Frankly, I don't care. For me, Sonny can wait another month, if necessary. Excruciating torment? So be it. That's how I felt watching him.