NEW YORK — The Yankees' possible trade of Randy Johnson to the Diamondbacks, a deal that appeared to be gaining steam toward the end of last week, has slowed over the structuring of a potential contract extension for Johnson, according to a person with knowledge of the negotiations.
As part of an agreement for waiving his no-trade clause, Johnson is looking for an extension, but the Diamondbacks, who already owe Johnson about $40 million in deferred money, apparently are looking for a way to factor some of that cash into the extension, the source said. Arizona also is trying to convince the Yankees to kick in some of Johnson's $16 million salary for next season.
But if the Yankees are going to include money in the trade, they want at least three players back — either all bona fide prospects or two top prospects and a major leaguer who would help them this year, another baseball official said.
The Yankees have targeted three young pitchers in Arizona's talent-filled system — righthanders Dustin Nippert, Micah Owings and Ross Ohlendorf. Some published reports have them also liking righty reliever Brandon Medders, who has gone 9-4 with a 3.09 ERA in 87 games over the last two seasons.