The New York Yankees are looking to turn around their organization’s shortcomings in the last 12 seasons, with a World Series title eluding them since 2009.
With a handful of big names remaining on the free agent board, they may make one final splash to bolster their lineup.
The most obvious option is shortstop Carlos Correa.
His name has been associated with the Yankees since free agency began, fitting the team’s glaring hole at the position.
Derek Jeter quits Marlins just as the Yankees look to fill shortstop.
— Brendan Kuty (@BrendanKutyNJ) February 28, 2022
Reports have also recently surfaced saying that the team requested medicals on Correa earlier in the offseason.
Even as the current lockout has halted free agent moves, he remains a perfect match for the Yankees.
Here are three reasons why:
3. The Yankees Have A Hole
For most of the 2021 season, the Yankees seemed committed to leaving Gleyber Torres at shortstop.
His struggles were glaring, as both his offensive and defensive numbers suffered as he manned the taxing position.
Error on Gleyber Torres pic.twitter.com/PYM8EQjuUj
— Talkin' Yanks (@TalkinYanks) September 13, 2021
This led the Yankees to moving him to second base in September, where he thrived for the final month of the season.
Heading into the offseason, this gave the Yankees a noticeable need: a star shortstop.
In an offseason with star-studded names, they have so far struck out; Corey Seager and Javier Baez both signed contracts elsewhere.
Despite this, Correa and Trevor Story are still available.
While Story is an interesting option for the Yankees, he poses some questions that may push the team away.
Correa, meanwhile, offers them with a well-established All-Star with experience of winning the World Series.
Most importantly, he fits arguably the team’s biggest hole.
2. Correa Balances The Lineup
While the Yankees do not need more right-handed hitters, Correa shifts the lineup’s profile.
He gives the Yankees their prototypical 20-plus home run power, while giving them another bat that can hit around .280.
Carlos Correa can hit lots of home runs out of Camden Yards as a member of the Yankees. pic.twitter.com/qS1igOuPBs
— Doug Rush (@TheDougRush) March 6, 2022
His strikeout numbers are also relatively lower than other sluggers in the lineup like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton.
He also gets on base at a high rate, something the organization values and will need if they aim to compete for a championship.
More importantly, these numbers stand out compared to other free agent shortstops like Story.
While Story is more athletic, he strikes out at a rate that won’t compliment the hitters around him.
Because of this, Correa seems like even more of a perfect fit for the Yankees lineup.
1. Correa Provides Gold Glove Defense
Yankees fans were treated to a full year of subpar defense from Torres, something that was evidently impacting play on the field.
It was so bad that they even moved third baseman Gio Urshela to shortstop, a desperate move for defense.
Correa is a legitimate defender at shortstop.
Carlos Correa with the defense
Astros vs Angels airing NOW on AT&T SportsNet @astros l #ForTheH pic.twitter.com/ZsoDpZLqpc
— AT&T SportsNet SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) September 5, 2020
He won the Gold Glove Award in 2021 and offers the full package defensively at the position.
His above average range pairs well with one of the best arms in the league, giving him the ability to take away hits at any given moment.
This defense is much better than what any other option could give the Yankees this season.
Story, though a solid defender, is not quite at the same level.
I’ll never get tired watching Carlos Correa play defense. pic.twitter.com/GnociaPgOZ
— Astros Stats (@astro_numbers) June 30, 2021
The Yankees’ shortstop prospects Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza could be good defensively, but they would be rookies filling in at one of the game’s most grueling spots.
As such, going with an established star like Correa would be the perfect move.
No matter which way you look at it, Correa fits in with the Yankees.
A high price tag is the biggest challenge facing a potential signing (beyond the lockout) and it remains to be seen whether the Yankees are willing to spend big.
If they do, expect Correa to be playing in pinstripes next season.
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