The New York Yankees missed out on the opportunity to sign Carlos Correa, instead, allowing the Minnesota Twins to swoop in and offer him a three-year deal worth over $100 million. In fact, Minnesota convinced general manager Brian Cashman to take on the contract of Josh Donaldson, paying him $50 million over the next two seasons.
With the money saved from Donaldson’s contract, Minnesota leveraged the situation and signed Correa to a short-term deal worth over $30 million per season. The Yankees easily could’ve managed a similar signing, but Cashman seemed to have been outsmarted in the process.
However, it is no surprise to see Cashman shift his attention to Trevor Story, who is the last remaining high-end shortstop on the open market. At 29 years old, Story is coming off a relatively down season with the Colorado Rockies in 2021. Over 142 games, Story posted a .251 average with 24 homers and 75 RBIs.
Yankees have emerged a possibility for Trevor Story. Under consideration at least.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) March 19, 2022
Story’s average decreased a bit, but his slugging abilities remain sufficient, recording a hard-hit percentage of 42.6% and barrel percentage of 9.9%. Prior to the Covid abbreviated season in 2020, Trevor hit 35+ homers in two consecutive seasons, so there’s no question he contains raw power with great upside.
The Colorado star is also an accomplished defensive player, posting a .975 fielding percentage over 1175 innings last year with Colorado. He gave up just 14 errors and helped turn 85 double plays.
Despite the fact that the Yankees traded for Isiah Kiner-Falefa from Minnesota in a double deal, acquiring Story may allow them a bit more flexibility in the infield.
Story could theoretically fill the shortstop position while Kiner-Falefa moves to third base since Donaldson only played 92 games last season in the field. With Anthony Rizzo penciled in at first, DJ LeMahieu could act as a utility man. Of course, that would leave Gleyber Torres leftover, who the Yankees could leverage in a potential deal before the start of the regular season.
Signing Story would have to be a short-term deal worth $25+ million per season. If they do manage to strike a contract, Cashman will be beating himself up over losing out on Carlos Correa, who would’ve taken the roster to another level, especially given his postseason excellence.