Everybody is waiting for the New York Yankees to make a move at shortstop after the Gleyber Torres experiment failed. However, with an expected lockout, there’s a reason to believe the market is accelerating, according to ESPN reporter Jeff Passan.
Passan indicated that the markets for Corey Seager and Marcus Semien could shape before December 1, when an expected lockout is anticipated to commence.
In this scenario, Cashman will have to make a decision at shortstop, buying his time and waiting for Carlos Correa or settling early on lefty batter, Corey Seager, who might be a great fit in Yankee Stadium.
Seager is coming off a solid season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting .306 with 16 homers and 57 RBIs. With a short right porch in the Bronx, Seager could dominate, showcasing some of his power, after recording his third consecutive double-digit home run season. Seager does have a spotty injury history, though, playing in just 95 games this past season.
Alternatively, the Yankees will have to take a more risky approach, waiting for Correa, who could sign with a team like the Detroit Tigers if they are willing to spend upwards of $250 million. The Yankees are willing to push past the $210 million luxury tax threshold this off-season, so expect them to be incredibly active in acquiring great players to fill vulnerabilities. However, if Seager and Semien are off the board, the Yankees might put themselves in a tough spot if they fail to land any of the top names.
So the question is, would Cashman prefer to settle early on Corey Seager or take a considerable risk and wait for Correa if a lockout does happen come December?
In a perfect world, if you’re willing to look past the cheating scandal, which Cashman undoubtedly seems to believe, the Bombers will push hard to sign Correa before December 1.