NY Yankees

The 2 shortstops the Yankees need to pursue before it’s too late

by
yankees, trevor story

The New York Yankees have found themselves in a peculiar situation as the free-agent market dwindles with talent. General manager Brian Cashman indicated they would be big spenders this off-season, going as far as to offer Justin Verlander a $25 million deal over one season. However, since that offer, the Yankees have been incredibly silent, waiting for some of the more prominent names to be plucked off the market before diving in headfirst.

There are only two players left that make sense for the Yankees, depending on their willingness to spend big money. With such a strong shortstop market this off-season, Cashman would be foolish not to grab one of the better options. They could settle for a lesser option like Andrelton Simmons of the Minnesota Twins, serving as a stopgap. However, the fans would prefer they go with a more lucrative player.

Two shortstops the Yankees need to make a run at:

1.) Carlos Correa

Of course, the top name on the list is Carlos Correa. Despite Correa’s scandalous nature with a Houston Astros, he’s one of the best shortstops in baseball and would serve as a long-term solution for the Bombers at a spot of weakness.

Correa hit .279 with 26 homers and 92 RBIs this past season, also featuring an 18.1% strikeout rate and 11.7% walk rate, the highest of his career. With a .485 slugging percentage and 134 wRC+, he has not only lived up to his potential as the first overall pick in 2012, but he also exceeded it.

The Astros’ star infielder is also an incredible defensive player, earning a .981 fielding percentage with 11 errors over 1,304 innings this past season. He would upgrade the shortstop spot for the Yankees 10 times over, but he will undoubtedly cost a pretty penny. With Corey Seager landing a 10 year, $325 million deal, Correa may land even higher than that, averaging out at $35-40 million per season.

Ultimately, Cashman still has Aaron Judge and his monster deal to think about, so signing Correa at that price point might be a bit overzealous.

2.) Trevor Story

If the Yankees want to pursue a cheaper option but a talented one nonetheless, Trevor Story could be a suitor. At 29-years-old, Story has spent six seasons with the Colorado Rockies, showcasing quality health over the course of his career. He hit .251 with 24 homers and 75 RBIs this past season but did feature at a 23.4% strikeout rate. Story is also a quality defender, posting a .975 fielding percentage with 14 errors. Correa is the better defensive piece, but Trevor is far more affordable and is still a quality hitter.

However, the concern is that Story won’t be able to replicate his statistics in Yankee stadium, given the thin air in Colorado, helping the ball travel a bit deeper. However, DJ LeMahieu didn’t skip a beat in his move to the Bronx, and he may advocate for the signing of Story, his former teammate.

Do you think the Yankees will sign Correa or Story? Comment here!

New York Yankees: Fans are angry as Yankees sit idly by, ignoring the free agent market

by
yankees, corey seager

New York Yankee fans are confused, frustrated, and even angry as one after another target or player of interest drops off the market, being scooped up by other teams, even teams within the Yankees’ division.

Most of the confusion arises from the Yankees’ near pledge to improve the team for 2022 by spending big and acquiring players to return the team to championship contention. But instead, what fans have gotten is a front office that has been surprisingly quiet, if not completely dormant, as other teams are picking up quality players with amazing speed.

Just yesterday, two huge free agency monikers dropped off the market, with the big prize, Max Scherzer, going to the crosstown New York Mets and Corey Seager going to the Texas Rangers. Although Scherzer was more of a wish for the Yankees, they were never really in on him due to the projected cost. However, no one would have ever dreamed that he would be signed for $43 million a year, making him the highest-priced starting pitcher in MLB history. The big slap in the face is that he went to the Mets.

At this point, there is no question that the Mets are making moves to bring them to at least an NL East division win, and maybe going to their first World Series since 2015, in which they lost to the Kansas City Royals one game to four. The New York Yankees have not appeared in a World Series game since they won in 2009.

The Yankees were seriously looking at Starling Marte to bolster their center field presence, but that fell through when the Mets scooped him up last week with a four-year contract for a reported $78 million. With the Mets signing Scherzer, they have already spent double the money the Yankees might consider spending. If that isn’t a statement, I don’t know what is.

The other big name off the market yesterday was shortstop Corey Seager, who went to the Texas Rangers for a reported $325 million for 10 years. Not only is he no longer available to the Yankees, but that contract sets the bar for the only other huge name on the shortstop market, Carlos Correa, who presently remains unsigned. With that likely cost, the Yankees will not be contending for him.

Another big name now off the Yankees’ radar is former Blue Jays’ co-ace Robbie Ray, who went to the  Seattle Mariners for three years at $115 million. In return, the Blue Jays signed another Yankee pitcher of interest, Kevin Gausman, to a 5-year deal worth $110 million. What may be surprising to Yankee fans, as well as the front office, who’re watching other teams spend insane amounts of money.

Whether you believe the Yankees are being cheap, or Hal Steinbrenner won’t let loose of the purse, you can’t blame the Yankees for not signing any long-term, big-money contracts like the ones that seem to dominate the free agency market. After all, the Yankees are mulling a contract extension for star Aaron Judge that will be costly, and already have two monster contracts to pay to ace Gerrit Cole and the remaining huge contract for Giancarlo Stanton. Most of these contracts are being signed by teams that couldn’t contend last season, and don’t already have huge contracts on their rosters.

Although there may be some action today, and before the Collective Bargaining Agreement expires tomorrow night, it looks like general manager Brian Cashman will have to work his magic, like he did with DJ LeMahieu, as only some crumbs are going to be left over.

Yankees News: Cashman could let Gary Sanchez go, a starting pitcher the Yankees should target

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New York Yankees, Gary Sanchez

At some point, the New York Yankees are going to have to make a decision on catcher Gary Sanchez, who has regressed over the past few seasons. This past year, Sanchez finished with a .204 batting average, including 23 homers and 54 RBIs. While his slugging percentage finished at .423, his best since 2019, he still failed to propel himself to long-term solution status.

General manager Brian Cashman would love for him to be the future catcher, but at this point, he has to consider alternative options with just one year of arbitration left on his contract. The team isn’t confident they can rely on Kyle Higashioka, and Sanchez saw his defensive metrics struggle in some areas. In 2021, the 28-year-old played in 879 innings, recording a 17% caught stealing rate, the lowest of his career by more than 10%. While he was far better at stopping passed balls, allowing just 8 to get by him, he hasn’t become a balanced player that can hit and defend consistently.

With that being said, there is a chance the Yankees non-tender him, trading for an option like Pirates’ Jacob Stallings.

The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal believes that the Yankees could non-tender Gary Sanchez, trading for a replacement:

The Athletics’ Sean Murphy and Pirates’ Jacob Stallings are among the catchers available in trade, and the Cubs’ Willson Contreras might be, too, if he does not agree to a contract extension. Among the remaining free agents, Yan Gomes, 34, and Roberto Pérez, who turns 33 on Dec. 23, are perhaps the leading options. The shortage of quality catching might prompt the Yankees to again offer a contract to Gary Sánchez, who is projected to earn $7.9 million in arbitration. A trade for say, Stallings, could lead to a non-tender of Sánchez, who then would be a strong candidate to join the exodus of former Yankees to the Marlins.

Stallings is an interesting option at 32-years-old. This past season, he recorded a .246 average with eight homers and 53 RBIs. He serves more as a contact hitter, but he’s also a stellar defender, recording a .995 fielding percentage with zero passed balls in 892 innings. Earning his first Gold Glove, he would offer a significant upgrade behind the plate compared to Sanchez but doesn’t have the power to supplement his home run totals.

The Yankees should shift their focus to Robbie Ray:

With Max Scherzer signing a $130 million, three-year deal, the Yankees may shift their attention to lefty ace Robbie Ray. After winning the Cy Young award this past season, Ray is looking for a long-term contract with a new team. He posted a career-best 2.84 ERA with the Toronto Blue Jays this past year, earning an 11.54 strikeout per nine rate. He also logged a career-best 90.1% left on-base percentage and 37.2% ground ball rate.

Overall, Ray represents arguably the best starting pitcher on the market currently, but natural regression is a concern. Looking at his statistics, his fastball hovered around 95 mph, the highest it’s ever been. He stopped using his curveball as frequently and relied heavily on his fastball and slider, which did him well.

Considering the Yankees just presented $25 million for Justin Verlander, there is a chance they enter the fold for Ray, who will likely land at a slightly lower price point.

Yankees lose out on another top shortstop, market continues to dwindle

by
yankees, corey seager

The New York Yankees may end up missing out on every top shortstop free agent this off-season, in a year where there was an unprecedented number of talents waiting to be scooped up off the market.

General manager Brian Cashman is undoubtedly taking a more patient approach, but his strategy may end up biting him in the butt if he misses out on Carlos Correa, the last of the top-tier shortstops available.

On Monday evening, Jeff Passan of ESPN reported that Corey Seager, one of the Yankees’ top targets to replace Gleyber Torres at shortstop, signed a 10 year, $325 million deal with the Texas Rangers. The Rangers landed both Seager and Marcus Semien.

Seager is coming off a stellar campaign with the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting .306 with 16 homers and 57 RBIs. With a lefty bat, the idea was that Seager would bring a bit of diversity to the batting order and quality defending at shortstop. However, his flexibility in the infield and potential to move over to third base was also attractive, as the team waits for Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza to reach the majors.

Now, the market has boiled down to Correa, who is taking his time finding a new team this off-season. Correa is coming off arguably an even better campaign than Seager, hitting .279 with 26 homers and 92 RBIs. Correa isn’t only a fantastic hitter with a healthy balance of power and contact, but he’s also a tremendous defender.

After seeing Corey’s contract, averaging $32.5 million per season, Correa will likely end up earning $35 million per year. This past season, Carlos recorded a .981 fielding percentage with 11 errors over 1,300 innings.

Correa is a long-term solution at SS, so moving him to the hot corner may not be advisable for the Yankees. However, he’s currently the best option on the market, and once he’s gone, the Yankees’ targets will start to dwindle quickly. Reports indicated that Cashman met with Andrelton Simmons’s representatives recently, so he could also be a potential option for the Bombers.

Report: Yankees check in on under-the-radar shortstop free agent

by
andrelton simmons, yankees

It is becoming more probable that the New York Yankees settle for a second-tier shortstop free agent, allowing Corey Seager and Carlos Correa to sign elsewhere. General manager Brian Cashman still has a solid amount of money to spend, but the team recently checked in on under-the-radar free agent Andrelton Simmons.

Simmons is a 32-year-old righty who stands at 6’2″ and 195 pounds. Having played with Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Minnesota in the past, he’s a consistent defensive shortstop that doesn’t exactly fit the Yankees’ mold on offense. With elite defensive attributes, recording a .976 fielding percentage with 12 errors this past season over 1091.2 innings, the Bombers would love to have his capabilities to prevent more mistakes at a position of vulnerability.

After watching Gleyber Torres the past few seasons, skipper Aaron Boone would feel far more confident having Simmons feature at SS. His top defensive season came back in 2015 when he recorded a .988 fielding percentage over 1,279 innings. He has earned four Gold Glove awards and been a top-15 MVP candidate on three occasions.

However, he’s not deficient in the offensive category, despite a down season with the Minnesota Twins in 2021. Simmons posted a .223 average with three homers and 31 RBIs. Simmons is not known for his slugging abilities, which is only one year removed from a .297 batting average in 2020 during the Covid season.

In 2018, when he featured in 146 games, he posted a .292 average with 11 homers and 75 RBIs, just one of three seasons in which he’s had double-digit homers. However, he featured a 7.3% strikeout rate in that season, which is simply incredible. Simmons is more of a contact hitter, something the Yankees desperately need in their ranks to provide a bit more diversity. During the 2018 campaign, he recorded 120 singles, 26 doubles, and five triples, showcasing fantastic speed and efficiency.

While the former Twin isn’t exactly what the Yankees are looking for in terms of a long-term solution, he could serve as a stopgap as they wait on Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza to reach the majors.

Yankees preparing to lose out on another top shortstop, starting pitching is an issue

by
yankees, corey seager

Top New York Yankees links, rumors, news, updates:

The Yankees are taking a risky approach with their free-agency strategy this off-season, waiting for some of the bigger names to be plucked off the market before diving in and acquiring a big name. General manager Brian Cashman has been patient in the past, notably with infielder DJ LeMahieu, striking a deal that was far less than initially predicted.

However, with Marcus Semien signing a seven-year, $175 million deal with a Texas Rangers over the weekend, the shortstop market is thinning, and more players are expected to go quickly.

According to Andy Martino of SNY, the Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers are in hot pursuit of star lefty shortstop Corey Seager. In fact, the word is that the Yankees are laying low, waiting for the opportunity to pounce.

Player agents know that the Bombers are in the market and willing to spend big money, so once Cashman sees the ceiling for any given star, he can either match or take it to another benchmark.

Seager would be a fantastic addition to a team that needs more diversity in the hitting order and consistent defending at a position of vulnerability. Seager hit .306 this past season with 16 homers and 57 RBIs. He recorded a career-high 11.7% walk rate and 16.1% strikeout rate, nearly 10% less than the average in the Yankees’ lineup.

With a short right porch in Yankee Stadium, Seager would likely see his home run numbers increase exponentially. In addition, he has the flexibility to move to third base in the future, which is an attractive prospect for New York. Nonetheless, if they don’t pick up the phones quickly, they could risk losing out on arguably the best fit from the top tier of shortstops.

MLB rumors: Mets poised to steal ex-Cy Young winner from Yankees, NL contenders – NJ.com

The New York Mets have been far more aggressive than their crosstown rivals in the Bronx this off-season. In fact, they are preparing to land star pitcher Max Scherzer on a massive contract. The Mets have already checked out and approved of Scherzer‘s medicals, so they are just waiting on him to agree to a deal.

The contract is supposedly worth $42 million per year over 3–4 seasons, which takes the Yankees out of the market considering they have other pressing needs to address. There are a few starters available, but they’re flying off the board quickly, and the Yankees are sitting quietly without much fight.

New York Yankees: Before the CBA Yankee options are quickly disappearing

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Could the New York Yankees pursue Max Scherzer in a trade?

So far this postseason, the New York Yankees have been surprisingly quiet, as other teams are scooping up free-agent options with amazing speed, ahead of the Collective Bargaining Agreement deadline (CBA) on December 1.

Even before the end of the World Series, in which the Atlanta Braves won over the Houston Astros, the Yankees’ front office made it clear that they would be spending money to better the team for the 2022 season. General Manager Brian Cashman stated his priorities, with obtaining a star shortstop at the top of the list.

The Yankees needed to replace Gleyber Torres, who they permanently moved to second base. Getting a number two starting pitcher was also high on the list, that included help in centerfield and a decision to be made for a first baseman.

To date, the Yankees have basically done nothing. On social media Yankees fans are becoming frustrated, even enraged as it seems the Yankees have become watchers rather than actively participating in the postseason blitz to acquire team enhancing pieces to fill their needs.

The Yankees did replace third base coach Phil Nevin with ex-Mets manager Luis Rojas. The also made a play for starting pitcher Justin Verlander, who ended up signing with the Houston Astros, the team that turned his career around. The Yankees offered the same $25 million on a one-year contract; the Astros bested that with the same amount for two years.

Let’s take a look at some of the players that the Yankees have targeted or at least shown interest in, that are already gone to other teams. It seems the crosstown Mets, new owner Steve Cohen, and new general manager Billy Eppler are making every effort to make their team the one to watch in New York City, pushing the New York Yankees to the back burner.

MLB Network’s Jon Morosi and SNY’s Andy Martino have reported that Eppler is close to closing a deal for the big pitching prize out there, Max Scherzer. Reports are that they will spend as much as $42 million a year to have Scherzer pitch on the mound at Citi Field for next three or four years. Due to the cost the Yankees were never really in on Scherzer, much to the dismay of Yankee fans.

At this point there is no question that the Mets are making moves to bring them to at least a NL East division win, and maybe going to the their first World Series since 2015, in which they lost to the Kansas City Royals one game to four. The New York Yankees have not appeared in a World Series game since they won in 2009.

The Yankees were seriously looking at Starling Marte to bolster their center field presence, but that fell through, when the Mets scooped him up last week with a four year contract for a reported $78 million. If the Mets sign Scherzer, they will have already spent double the money the Yankees might consider spending. If that isn’t a statement, I don’t know what is.

Another possible starting pitching target, Kevin Gausman, and the Toronto Blue Jays are in agreement on a five-year, $110 million contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

Red Sox moves:

The Red Sox lost their co-ace in Eduardo Rodriguez who signed with the Detroit Tigers, before the Yankees could even bid on him. Back on the fifth of November the Sox scooped up Tim Locastro off waivers from the Yankees. Kyle Schwarber elected for free agency and the Sox as of now have not resigned him. He was big for the Sox going down the stretch with his 31 home runs on the season. The Yankees don’t seem to be interested in the center fielder.

Tampa Bay Rays changes:

From a Yankee perspective it was not good news when the Rays inked an 11-year contract with their star infielder Wander Franco. The Rays will now have there cornerstone for the rest of the decade. Earlier in the month the Rays exercised Mike Zunino’s contract option, keeping him as their primary catcher. In the most recent move, although the Yankees didn’t seem interested in keeping two time Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber in pinstripes, the Rays, who always seem to make the right moves at the right time, signing Kluber to a one-year deal gauranting him at least $8M, with the possibility of making up to $13M based on incentives.

Toronto Blue Jay changes:

The Blue Jays’ only big splash is that they signed starting pitcher Jose Berrios to a seven year contract extension, keeping him with the Blue Jays through the 2028 season. They also acquired Off Waivers From San Diego right hand pitcher Shawn Anderson. The big prize from the Jays would be pitcher Robbie Ray who had a career season, winning the Cy Young award. The Yankees have shown interest and would like to secure him in the $12 million range, but most industry analysts say he will want closer to $100 million over three of four years. At age 30 this may be his last time to get big money.

New Yankee shortstop:

Right now Yankees fans are confused by the lack of movement in acquiring a shortstop after the statement that it would be their number on priority. The situation is very cloudy, as the front office seems more concerned with short stop prospects in the farm system, then getting what they need right now. Carlos Correa is probably out of the picture due to his Astros baggage and the cost of a contract he will ask for. Another Yankee target Corey Seager is said to be asking for as much as $300 million over the next ten years, likely putting him out of the reach of the Yankees. Lately it seemed that Cashman could be going with the less expensive of the top three, in Marcus Semien, but he has just signed a seven year $175 million deal with the Texas Rangers.

With Yankee options disappearing, it leaves one wondering when and if the Yankees will act at all. With the top names tumbling off the market, it looks likes Cashman, with money to spend, will be again looking for those off the radar gems, and not any of the big names Yankee fans are hoping for.

One thing is for sure, many fans are calling for Cashman who appears to be sitting on his hands, to be fired, and for owner Hal Steinbrenner to sell the team to someone who is interested in winning rather than watching every penny.

Yankees lose free-agent pitcher to rivals, who always seem to make the right moves

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New York Yankees, Corey Kluber

The New York Yankees were willing to spend $25 million for just one year worth of Justin Verlander as of a few weeks ago, but since he signed with the Houston Astros on an extension, the Bombers have shifted their attention to other prospects. However, one of their own free agents this off-season has signed a one-year deal with an AL East rival.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Corey Kluber will sign a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Rays:

Free-agent RHP Corey Kluber in agreement with Rays on one-year deal, pending physical, sources tell The Athletic. Kluber, 35, missed more than three months with right shoulder strain before rejoining Yankees in late August. Finished with 3.83 ERA in 80 IP, including no-hitter.

Tampa Bay always seems to make the right decisions, and with the 35-year-old Kluber coming off a down here with the Yanks, pitching in just 16 games and 80 innings, they’re likely getting him at a reduced price. Kluber posted a 3.83 ERA this past year, hosting a 9.23 strikeout rate per nine and a 42.5% ground-ball rate.

Given he is healthy, Kluber is still capable of being an adequate pitcher, even featuring a no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on May 20.

The Yankees might regret not offering him a minor deal for his services, despite his injury history. Looking at his pitches, Kluber’s fastball dropped to just 90.6 mph, the lowest of his career. He threw his fastball just 29.7% of the time, relying heavily on his cutter, curveball, and change-up. Every single one of his pitches saw a significant decline in velocity, but his curve is still adequate, giving him some efficiency.

Clearly, the Rays viewed this as an opportunity to gain a pitcher at the end of his career with just a bit of gas left in the tank to offer in a back-of-the-rotation role.

The Yankees desperately still need to find a new starter to inject into the rotation, but they haven’t been very active in the market as they wait for the December 1 lockout.

Yankees: Coach finds news home, blockbuster trade scenario for speedy outfielder

by
byron buxton, yankees

Top New York Yankees links, November 28:

Angels Planning To Hire Phil Nevin As Third Base Coach – MLB Trade Rumors

The Yankees immediately fired 3rd base coach Phil Nevins following the conclusion of the 2021 season and, for good reason, telling Aaron Judge to round the base baths just to get thrown out at home against Boston in the Wild Card. Nevins was loved by the players, bringing energy and intensity to the team, but his decision-making at times was reckless, forcing the front office’s hand on a firing.

Nevins spent the last four seasons with the boys in pinstripes but will now join the Los Angeles Angels as their 3rd base coach.

Yankees could trade for star outfielder in blockbuster deal – Pinstripe Alley

The Yankees have been connected to a variety of different trade rumors the past few weeks, and the latest revolves around outfielder Byron Buxton.

Buxton is a luxury, projected to make $7.3 million in 2022. As a speedy outfielder with All-Star potential, Buxton has only played 355 out of 708 possible games since 2017. This past season, Buxton finished with a .306 average, 19 homers, 50 runs, and 32 RBIs over 254 plate appearances. Buxton was an absolute monster in the batter’s box, but his health history undoubtedly creates a few questions.

The Yankees would likely stay away from him based on his reliability issues.

Yankees make the most sense for Corey Seager – MLB

The Yankees love to spend money on big names, and they desperately need a shortstop who can potentially shift to third base in the future. According to Will Leitch of MLB.com, the Yankees make the most sense for star shortstop Corey Seager. Considering Seager is a lefty, he would likely be able to increase his home-run totals with a short right porch in Yankee Stadium.

Seager fits the mold exactly with what the Yankees are looking for — solid defense and awesome power paired with contacting. In addition, they would avoid any disgruntled fans in a Carlos Correa signing. Staying away from Houston Astros players might be a solid idea.

Should Yankees jump in on unexpected shortstop free agent target?

by
javier baez, mets, yankees

New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is waiting patiently for the shortstop market to settle, especially with astronomical prices on every player. None of the top options have currently landed with a new team, as the expectation is that they will be a bit cheaper in the coming weeks, especially if deals commence after the December 1 lockout.

The Yankees have had success being patient in the past, and with Corey Seager and Carlos Correa still on the market, they don’t have to rush to find a solution at shortstop anytime soon. However, they could target an unexpected prospect, Javier Baez, who spent the 2021 season with the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets.

Baez hit a total of .265 with 31 homers and 87 RBIs this past season, including 18 stolen bases. Having struck out 184 times, good for a 33.6% strikeout rate, he undoubtedly fits the Yankees’ mold and what they prefer in their hitters.

Cashman loves sluggers with potential, and considering Baez has hit double-digit homers in five of his last six seasons, his services may be going under the radar for the Bombers.

With an adequate average and decent contact hitting, Baez shouldn’t be ruled out of a potential deal with a Yankees. The 28-year-old infielder is currently in talks with the Detroit Tigers, but the Mets are also involved, waiting for him to receive a price and an opportunity to match. However, the Yankees’ crosstown rivals just spent over $120 million on Friday, adding several new players.

The Yankees haven’t spent a dollar yet on a high-profile free agent, but Baez offers luxurious offense and solid defending. He featured primarily at second base for the Mets this past season but at shortstop for Chicago, recording a .954 fielding percentage with 18 errors (at SS). His defense is lackluster at short, which could be a deterrent for the Yankees who are moving on from Gleyber Torres for that reason exactly.

Baez seems to be a better fit at second base, but if they still view him as a player with an upward trajectory on defense, he could be a potential suitor in the Bronx. Nonetheless, if Cashman is willing to spend big on an acquisition, he’s better off finding a better defensive player like Correa or Seager, who pair with even better offensive capabilities. Both are looking for different types of deals and reassurances, so the Yankees have to be careful with the player they ultimately select.