The Yankees did a great job with the big things this off-season. They re-signed Aaron Judge and made him their captain. The team got back Judge’s best friend Anthony Rizzo. In a big push, the Yankees signed Carlos Rodon, who is going to be their No. ace in the rotation. But they still have some work to do and it looks like they are leaving the roster open to competition, especially who will play in left field and who will be the shortstop.
Reports claim the Yankees tried to sign Jurickson Profar and David Peralta, gave a try to Pittsburgh’s Bryan Reynolds (who is going to be a costly affair), and evaluated Minnesota’s Max Kepler, they have not arrived at a conclusion. As things progress, fans think the Yankees will choose between veteran Aaron Hicks and young players Oswaldo Cabrera and Estevan Florial. Isiah Kiner-Falefa hasn’t found a buyer at shortstop, so last year’s starter will have to beat out Oswald Peraza and Anthony Volpe to get that job.
The big things the Yankees did have made them a much better team. But they still have questions at left field and second base because they couldn’t trade for anyone to play left field or get rid of any of their infielders.
“We’ve had discussions with many clubs out there, and those clubs weren’t able to do what we needed or we weren’t able to do what they needed,” GM Brian Cashman said.
Hicks has more experience, but given his year-long slump, no one should be surprised if Cabrera gets the Yankees job in the end. Kiner-Falefa might have a small edge to start at shortstop, but some people in the organization think Peraza has a good chance. Volpe is the Yankees’ best prospect, but it might not hurt to give him a little more time.
Kiner-Falefa wasn’t the only infielder the Yankees tried to trade. Gleyber Torres and Josh Donaldson were also on the market, but the Yankees couldn’t find a good deal for either of them. This led to a crowded infield, where even star DJ LeMahieu is now seen as an everyday utility man. After a season of great defense but shockingly bad offense, it’s likely that Donaldson will stay at third.
“Hopefully, last year was just an anomaly,” Cashman said.
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