The New York Yankees desperately want to add a shortstop to their roster for the 2022 season. They will keep Gleyber Torres at second base, where he thrived in the stretch run, and will search the free agent and trade markets for an upgrade in the infield’s most critical position.
Free agency represents the best avenue to bring a top shortstop for the Yankees. Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Trevor Story, and Javier Baez are all free to sign with any team after the World Series ends.
The Yankees have two very good prospects knocking on the door, but Anthony Volpe seems to be at least a year and half away, and Oswald Peraza isn’t a sure bet to be ready for the start of the 2022 season. The team, as a result, has to bring someone.
Seager is said to be the primary target for the Yankees, as he is a lefty-hitting producer with known postseason success and the ability to provide both average and power. He is also the worst defender of the bunch and could move to third in a couple of years should the Yankees deem Peraza or Volpe ready to take over at shortstop.
Could Baez be an option for the Yankees?
But what about Baez? According to Andy Martino of SNY.tv, they were in on the mercurial infielder during the trade deadline.
The Yankees were “one of the most aggressive teams in pursuit of Baez at this year’s trade deadline,†per sources.
The shortstop was traded to the Mets in July and took over as their shortstop while Francisco Lindor recovered from an oblique strain. He moved to second base when he returned, and put an impressive .299/.371/.515 slash line with nine homers in Flushing, making strides with his plate discipline.
Martino reported that Baez “would be inclined to stay†with the Mets if the team makes him a “serious offer early,†but the Yankees “are expected to be a suitor” if Baez and the Mets don’t reach a deal.