The race to acquire Toronto Blue Jays ace Roy Halladay could heat up significantly.
According to the New York Daily News, Halladay has told the Blue Jays he is willing waive his no-trade clause to go to the New York Yankees, setting up a potential bidding war with the rival Boston Red Sox.
"They have to keep their reputation," an unnamed baseball executive told the Daily News. "Mr. Steinbrenner, he's back winning now and he doesn't want to stop. And if Boston wants to get back in it, they are going to have to get big guys this winter."
The newspaper reports the Blue Jays have targeted catching prospect Jesus Montero as their main focus in any deal for Halladay.
The 20-year-old Montero put up impressive numbers in 2009 (17 HR, 70 RBI, .337 AVG/.389 OBP/.562 SLG) between Tampa (A-Adv) and Trenton (AA), but his season ended in early August due to a fractured finger.
The Daily News also indicated the Blue Jays would likely looking for Joba Chamberlain or Phil Hughes to come back as part of the package.
Although they're always looking to add star power, it remains to be seen if the Yankees would want to add the kind of salary Halladay would be looking for in a new contract before agreeing to the trade.
The Red Sox seem to be split on going after Halladay. An unnamed source told the Daily News that owner John Henry is very interested in acquiring the right-hander, while general manager Theo Epstein is not. Epstein thinks the price - likely including Clay Buchholz, Casey Kelly and Daniel Bard - is too high.