There is growing optimism the New York Yankees will be extremely active in the shortstop market this upcoming off-season. With the World Series preparing to start, the Yankees will be watching for their couches after dealing with significant issues during the 2021 season, predominantly with their starting pitching rotation and shortstop efficiency.
The Yankees failed to develop Gleyber Torres into their long-term solution at SS, so they will now look to the free-agent market to find a solution until young prospect Anthony Volpe is ready to take on the full-time role.
While some believe that star shortstop Carlos Correa is out of the Yankees’ price range and moral values after the cheating scandal, there are reports indicating he could be one of their targets.
According to Buster Olney of ESPN, the Yankees are preparing to spend big again this off-season, potentially targeting former 1st overall pick Carlos Correa:
“After a year of limiting their spending, the expectation is that the Yankees will land a shortstop, and that will likely be either Seager or Correa — perhaps with the intention of eventually shifting that player to another spot. New York’s top prospect, shortstop Anthony Volpe, is expected to graduate to the big leagues sometime in the next two seasons. There is a lot of sentiment that Seager will need to move to another spot sooner rather than later over the course of a long-term deal.”
Correa finished the regular season with a .279 average, including 26 homers and 92 RBIs. He recorded a career-low 18.1% strikeout rate and 11.7% of walk rate, a career-high. He seems to be getting even better at 27-years-old, which is to no surprise.
There is no question the Astros star infield is going to ask for a massive deal, which could scare the Yankees away, leaving other opportunities. Another player who the Yankees will have their eye on is Corey Seager, who just finished a stellar season with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Seager posted at a .306 average with 16 homers and 57 RBIs. he is a high contact hitter who has a bit of power to offer. At 27-years-old, he’s not much older than Correa but will likely fall at a lower price.
Either way, the Yankees will have to open up their checkbook if they want to fill the SS spot with a high-end player until Volpe is ready for the next level.
Who would you prefer to have on the Yankees, Correa or Seger? Comment here!
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