One way or another, the New York Yankees face a big problem this off-season regarding their vacant shortstop position. After the failed Gleyber Torres experiment, the Yankees tried to solve the spot in-season, even being linked to Trevor Story at the trade deadline. But after the front office “soured” on the possibility, they decided to wait until this free agency to make a decision.
General manager Brian Cashman remained patient before the lockout, allowing options like Corey Seager and Marcus Semien to sign with the Texas Rangers on massive contracts. While there are still a few solid options on the market, they come with their own risks, which will force the Yankees to think twice before offering a long-term contract.
Seattle Times’ Ryan Divish stated that Trevor Story might have to transition to second base in the near future due to arm concerns:
Most scouts believe that the 29-year-old Story would benefit from a shift to second base due to diminished arm strength. He’s dealt with elbow strains over the past few seasons and a shift to second base might reduce the overall wear and tear.
Theoretically, the Bombers could sign a Story to a shorter-term contract, but if he has serious arm concerns, the expectation of moving him to third base is likely off the table. With Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu capable of playing second, a stopgap until Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe are ready to take the jump could be ideal. Trevor represents a cost-efficient move, given the massive contract Correa is seeking.
However, Correa endured serious back problems last year, so a 10-year contract may end up being another Jacoby Ellsbury situation, which simply must be avoided at all costs.
ESPN’s Buster Olney indicated that Carlos Correa’s camp is withholding important injury information:
“There are questions about his lower back. He has gotten treatment for it…. Teams are saying they can only access his medical records if they make a ‘significant offer’ and teams are hesitantâ€
Cashman will have to find an upgrade at shortstop no matter what, but at this point, signs point toward a stopgap being the preferred strategy. Nonetheless, in one of the best shortstop markets in the past decade, missing out on the top option would certainly irk Yankee fans and management alike.