While the rest of the league raced to sign their preferred free agent targets quickly before the December 1 lockout, the New York Yankees stood idly by and didn’t make any major moves. This situation, according to Boston Globe’s Pete Abraham, will change when transactions are allowed again and there is a new CBA deal.
The Yankees have three glaring needs: a shortstop (at least one has to come to the organization, as they said Gleyber Torres would play second and there isn’t a starting shortstop in place at the moment), an outfielder who can play in center and spell Aaron Hicks if needed, and starting pitching.
Abraham points out that the Yankees won’t be as passive as they were prior to the lockout when the action starts again.
“New York didn’t make any impact moves ahead of the lockout, preferring to wait and see what the financial landscape would be when it ended. The Yankees have made the playoffs the last five seasons but haven’t been to the World Series since 2009. Brian Cashman knows that’s not a streak he can ride for much longer. Hal Steinbrenner has to be feeling some heat, too. Whether it’s signing (Carlos) Correa or making a big trade, the Yankees are going to do something. Their business plan has always been to act.”
Who will the Yankees sign?
The Yankees have been linked to Correa for a while, but if they don’t want to spend over $300 million in one player, they could turn to Trevor Story, a former All-Star, too.
Another position that the Yankees could be looking to improve is first base, where Voit missed most of last season with several physical issues, mostly with his knee. They also don’t trust his glove, and could be looking to make a move for former NL MVP and World Series champion Freddie Freeman. They could also re-sign Anthony Rizzo.
Of course, the trade market is also an option for the Yankees. They could find solutions to all of their current needs with the Oakland Athletics, who are shopping first baseman Matt Olson and could also deal pitchers Chris Bassitt, Frankie Montas, and Sean Manaea, plus outfielder Ramon Laureano.
In any case, the feeling around the industry is that the Yankees will make a big move after the lockout.