Yankees Close To Deal With Korean Shortstop

Feb 18, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and manager Joe Girardi (28) talk as they watch batting practice at Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

According to River Ave Blues‘ Mike Axisa via Korean news outlets, one of the Yankees big international signings for the upcoming signing period will be 17-year-old shortstop Hyo-Jun Park. I talked about the Yankees’ interest in the shortstop back in March.

The signing of Park may not be official until the signing period begins July 2nd because it’s going to count against the pool money that the Yankees have.  There have been reports all off-season about the Yankees blowing way over the international spending cap because of the amount of quality talent that is supposed to be available this year.

If this is a way for the Yankees to re-stock the system even more, then fine. The Yankees have tried to find a shortstop to add from within for years. Guys like Eduardo Nunez and Cito Culver haven’t worked and they will have to more than likely go out and spend money yet again in the free agent market.

If the Yankees really believe in Park, then they should go for it.

Of course, they could add a possible slugging outfielder from Cuba and not have it count against the cap, but they aren’t interested.