Yankees Rumors: Carlos Correa, Trevor Story In Play? Options Limited With Seager, Baez, Semien Signed

The New York Yankees are running out of time to make a splash in 2021-2022 free agency. The Bronx Bombers continue to stay quiet as more and more of the top players on the market sign elsewhere.

Shortstop is the Yankees’ biggest area of need, and with so many All-Star-caliber players at the position entering the offseason as free agents, New York had been expected to land one. Corey Seager, Javier Baez, and Marcus Semien have agreed to contracts with other teams, limiting the Yankees’ options before this week’s impending lockout.

Carlos Correa and Trevor Story are the remaining unsigned star middle infielders. The Yankees could still outbid other suitors for one of them.

New York has been linked to Correa, who led all position players in WAR during the 2021 season. The Yankees reportedly nearly traded for Story in July. There’s speculation that they could potentially ink Story to a short-term deal, following a disappointing campaign for the two-time All-Star.

But New York’s quiet start to the offseason could be an indication that the organization won’t offer any shortstop a long-term contract.

The New York Daily News reported in mid-November that the Yankees were unlikely to sign a free-agent shortstop to a mega-contract. The team preferred to sign a cheaper option to man the position until one of their minor-league shortstops is ready to be an everyday major-league player, according to the report. The Yankees have high hopes for prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza.

Seager, a left-handed hitter who could potentially shift to third base if one of the Yankees’ prospects emerges, was an ideal fit in the Bronx. Why would New York pay big money for Correa or Story if they weren’t willing to do so for last year’s World Series MVP?

It isn’t just shortstops that are coming off the board. Justin Verlander, whom the Yankees had an interest in signing, re-upped with the Houston Astros. On the other side of town, the New York Mets gave Max Scherzer the largest yearly salary in MLB history, acquiring the best available pitcher. The Seattle Mariners gave 2021 AL CY Young winner Robbie Ray a five-year, $115 million contract. The Toronto Blue Jays lost Ray but added Kevin Gausman.

The Yankees could use a couple more quality starters. Ace Gerrit Cole came up short down the stretch of last season. The rest of New York’s rotation is full of question marks.

New York could sign an impactful first baseman. Anthony Rizzo is a free agent after spending the second half of last season with the Yankees. Atlanta Braves star Freddie Freeman is a free agent. Some rumors have suggested that New York might try to trade for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson.

Kris Bryant and Chris Taylor remain on the market. Michael Conforto is also available.

The Yankees have failed to reach the ALCS in two straight seasons. New York last made the World Series 12 years ago.