Yankees taking strange approach to shortstop market, could wait for collapse

New York Yankees, Aaron Boone, Brian Cashman
Mar 23, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman (left) and manager Aaron Boone (17) talk prior to the game against the Toronto Blue Jays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In a perfect world, the New York Yankees could save a few dollars on a premium shortstop, which is likely what general manager Brian Cashman is thinking ahead of December, and the majority of deals are expected to either take place or stall due to a lockout.

Cashman has had success buying his time in the market in the past, and it seems as if he may take a similar approach with plenty of free agents available at a prioritized position.

According to Joel Sherman of the NY Post, the Yankees could be waiting patiently for the shortstop market to collapse, swooping in and grabbing a solid player at a cheaper price-point:

The Yankees could essentially wait until that point and see if markets collapse for a shortstop. Could Story, for example, not like his market and accept a one-year pillow deal at $25 million-$30 million to set himself up better next offseason when free agency is less jammed with elite shortstops?

Of course, they would ideally land Carlos Correa or Corey Seager, but I wouldn’t rule out the potential for a second-tier option like Trevor Story, Marcus Semien, Javier Baez, or even Andrelton Simmons. They would all be a bit cheaper than the top-tier options and offer a bit more flexibility if the team is willing to wait for their young shortstop prospects to reach the majors.

It is clear that the front office has Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza in mind, but neither will likely be ready until the 2023 season at the minimum. Peraza could likely offer solid defense immediately, but his offensive game is still developing. This past season with AA-Somerset, Peraza posted a .294 batting average with 12 homers, 40 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases. Over 592 innings, he allowed six errors and posted a .972 fielding percentage. If he can maintain his consistency, he could be the first option elevated to the major league roster, which would force management a shift their free-agent signing to the hot corner at third base.

Hopefully, the Yankees can land their preferred player at a cheaper price point, and Cashman is willing to bet the market will soften in the coming days.