With New York Yankees regular short-stop Didi Gregorius out and rehabing from Tommy John surgery, the team will need to find a place-filler in the infield.
Several options, including star free agent Manny Machado, could be options to fill the void until his return. The cost will ultimately be the primary concern, and it might be more efficient to utilize talent that’s already on the roster than to sign a player looks for a 10-year, $300 million deal.
Machado would ultimately be signed to be the long-term solution at third-base, which would be a price-tag on the head of Miguel Andujar, which has been shopped for a potential starting pitcher.
Who should the New York Yankees consider at short-stop?
I believe the best option the Yankees have at SS is Gleyber Torres, who played the position in Triple A. He was being groomed to be the short-stop of the future, but was subsequently moved to second-base where he naturally thrives. Nonetheless, he has experience at the position and could fill in until Gregorius returns.
The only issue is, Didi is a free agent next winter, which puts the Yankees in an odd position.
A solution to the madness:
While some fans might not like this solution, it makes sense for all parties. Didi is the scape-goat in this circumstance, since he will be a free agent in 2019.
If the Yankees sign Machado, who naturally plays short-stop, Miguel Andujar can remain at third-base and develop his defensive skills. This would allow the Bombers to retain the corner-stone youth player and still solve their problem at short-stop. We simply cannot expect Gregorius to return and pick up right where he left off after a significant injury to his throwing arm– 27 homers with a hit line of .268/.335/.829 in 2018.
Unfortunately, this move forces the Yankees to separate from a fan-favorite, but the long-term effects will be more beneficial.
What do you think the Yankees should do at short-stop? Comment below!