It seems as we inch towards spring training that the MLB rumors involving Yu Darvish headed to the Yankees are fading quickly. While Darvish has yet to commit to any team at the moment, the latest MLB rumors have the right-hander strongly linked to the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers. That doesn’t mean that Darvish won’t sign with the Yankees, but you can bet that the Bombers have a backup plan just in case Darvish signs elsewhere.

Fulmer deal in play

The Yankees have been rumored to be interested in Detroit’s Michael Fulmer for months now. In fact, it has been reported that the two teams tried to Strike A Deal this offseason but Detroit’s asking price was too high.

It would seem that if the Yankees are all in on a “World Series or bust” type season, they wouldn’t be so hesitant at trading top prospects for a starting pitcher like Fulmer. After all, prospects are just that - prospects. No one knows if they will ever become big league players or not. The fact that New York has made it clear that they are pursuing another starting pitcher and the Tigers are willing to talk about a deal involving Fulmer, don’t be surprised if the Yankees come back to the table on this one.

The Tigers were rumored to want 21-year old shortstop prospect Gleyber Torres as part of the deal for Fulmer.

Archer, Arrieta possibilities

Two other very real possibilities for the Yankees bolstering their staff are Chris Archer and Jake Arrieta.

According to a Jon Morosi of MLB.com, the Yankees may have pulled back the reins on Darvish just due to the fact that they believe they could strike a deal with the Tigers or Rays for the right price - and save a lot of cash as well.

“One possible explanation for the lack of a Darvish deal is the availability of right-handers Chris Archer (Rays) and Michael Fulmer (Tigers) on the trade market.”

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that New York has looked at both Archer and Fulmer as possible deals and has been back and forth with both teams discussing possible deals.

While Archer and Fulmer would make any staff better, Jake Arrieta would as well - and the Yankees don’t have to trade anyone to get him. Arrieta is currently on the open market and has been linked to the Yankees in various reports since Thanksgiving. The only problem may be how much Arrieta wants in his new deal. SB Nation has reported that Arrieta is looking for a five to seven-year contract worth $150-200 million dollars.

That could be the deal breaker when it comes to Arrieta becoming a New York Yankee.