Yankees asked for Jean Segura to be included in trade for James Paxton

The Yankees trade with the Mariners got them the elite starting pitcher they were looking for in James Paxton but according to reports, that’s not the only player they were hoping to get.

After Monday’s trade for Paxton was finalized Jon Morosi of MLB.com reported later on in the night that the Yankees were also asking Seatle about including shortstop Jean Segura in the deal. Segura was an All-Star in 2018 and in recent years he’s been one of the better offensive shortstops in all of baseball.

Morosi added in his tweet that had they been able to secure Segura along with Paxton that would have the Yankees from signing the premier free agent shortstop on the market.

It’s not surprising that the Yankees asked about Segura because as well all know they need to find a short-term replacement for the injured Didi Gregorius. Segura would’ve been a very solid choice to fill in for Sir Didi.

Even though he’s never been known as a great defender at short he’s a hit machine offensively and specializes at putting the ball in play. That’s something the Yankees need to improve upon throughout their lineup and in 2018 Segura only struck out 69 times in 586 at-bats. His 11% rate is well above average, especially in today’s day and age.

However, as much as Segura would’ve helped the Yankees in Didi’s absence long term it would’ve been hard to see where he fit on the Yankees roster. Segura has experience playing second base, but that’s where last year’s rookie phenom Gleyber Torres resides. He’s also under club control with the Mariners for the next five seasons and has a no-trade clause in his contract.

Whether he’d accept a deal or not to come to New York is something we’ll never know but if he did it would’ve been a puzzling decision by the Yanks to take on him and that contract. Sure he could’ve been the long-term replacement for Didi at short if Didi signed with somebody else next offseason when he’s a free agent but that would’ve been a big mistake. Didi is a much better shortstop than Segura and really a better all-around player so I couldn’t imagine the Yankees and Brian Cashman going with him over Didi.

The main thing I took from this news is the fact that the Yankees were looking to acquire another shortstop other than Manny Machado to essentially fill in for Didi. As Morosi reported, this move would’ve likely eliminated them from the Machado sweepstakes which is something I don’t think anyone would expect.

Even though the Yanks top priority this offseason is still to add another elite starter I expect them to be in the hunt for Machado. Until he signs with another team then and only then will I truly believe that the Yankees are out of the running to sign him.