The New York Yankees are reportedly one of the teams interested in Cuban slugger Yulieski Gourriel.

According to New York Post, Gourriel is considered as the best player left in Cuba before reports about his defection from his country surfaced. The 31-year-old is not expected to sign with a major league team anytime soon but several teams, including the Yankees, are expected to make a strong push to acquire him.

The Yankees have Chase Headley as their third baseman but could still pursue Gourriel to have depth at the position or use the Cuban star as a second baseman. They could face stiff competition, though, because teams can bid without restrictions because Gourriel is over 23 years old.

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman remains mum about their plans but a source told NY Post that Yankees' international scouting director Donny Rowland has been keeping an eye on Gourriel for several years.

Meanwhile, Yankees star pitcher Masahiro Tanaka is reportedly recovering well from an elbow surgery, as reports revealed the Japanese hurler had a throwing session on Tuesday in New York, ESPN reported. The 27-year-old underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove a bone spur in his elbow, which has been an issue since his playing years in Japan.

Yankees pitching coach Larry Rothschild also confirmed to New York Post that Tanaka is recovering well from the elbow surgery. Tanaka, who signed a seven-year deal worth $155 million with the Yankees in 2014, also sustained a partially torn ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow in 2014.

"From what I've been told, his throwing program was right on target," Rothschild said. "He's on schedule to have a normal spring training and season. We'll have to monitor his rest and his elbow, but that goes for a lot of guys."

Tanaka will headline the Yankees' rotation, which will also feature Michael Pineda, Nathan Eovaldi, CC Sabathia and Ivan Nova. Their rotation was hit by numerous injuries last season. Sabathia was slowed down by an ailing knee, but Rothschild also revealed that Sabathia is doing well in camp.

"CC looks better than I've seen him in a few years," Rothschild added. "The rest of the guys that have been here have done solid work."

The 35-year-old Sabathia started in just eight games in 2014 before making 29 starts last season. He went 6-10 with a 4.73 ERA and 137 strikeouts last season.