The New York Yankees got a mediocre season from shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa in 2022.
There is no way around it: he had a .642 OPS in 531 plate appearances this year, and had some costly defensive miscues too.
Their plan at shortstop is having some of their top prospects compete: Anthony Volpe, Oswald Peraza and Oswaldo Cabrera will probably vie for the position, but IKF will, too.
Unless…
The Yankees, a big-market club with sky-high expectations every year, could opt to bring in a star shortstop via free agency.
Their number one priority is re-signing star outfielder Aaron Judge, who hit .311/.425/.686 in 2022 and established the new American League single-season record with 62 home runs.
Can The Yankees Realistically Pursue Trea Turner?
But they could also explore the possibility of signing Trea Turner to play shortstop or, if needed, second base.
With or without Judge in the picture, the Yanks have the money to bring in Turner.
Do they have the motivation to hand yet another top-dollar contract?
It’s highly doubtful, but there is no question Turner fits.
“Trea Turner fits the Yankees like a glove because he’s a dynamic lead off hitter and could switch off SS when needed,” MLB writer Julian Guilarte tweeted.
Trea Turner fits the Yankees like a glove because he’s a dynamic lead off hitter and could switch off SS when needed.
— Julian Guilarte (@JulianGuilarte1) November 16, 2022
Turner can do it all on a baseball field.
He hits for a high average every year, he has 20-homer power, he could steal 40 bases if he wanted to, he plays elite shortstop defense, and he is a proven winner: he was part of the 2019 Washington Nationals team that defeated the Houston Astros in the World Series.
This season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, he played in 160 games and hit .298/.343/.466 with 21 home runs, 27 stolen bases, and 6.3 Wins Above Replacement.
Taking away economics, Turner is a perfect match for what the Yankees need at shortstop.
Since he is likely to command a contract north of $250 million, his arrival is unlikely.
NEXT: MLB Analyst Reveals Intriguing Yankees Free Agency Update