Yankees: 4 shortstop trade targets if NYY bow out of free agency

No, we’re not twisting ourselves into a pretzel trying to convince ourselves that passing on a high-profile shortstop in this star-studded class is a good idea. New York Yankees fans are rightfully angry that’s been the buzz circulating in recent days.

All we’re doing is living life and exploring ways the Yankees can successfully pivot IF they’re going to cheap out in free agency and opt for a “stopgap” shortstop in the name of reserving a spot for Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza. It’s egregious enough that’s even the conversation, but if that’s truly how the Yankees feel, there are other ways to go about it than punting 2022 by signing Freddy Galvis, Andrelton Simmons or Jose Iglesias.

Don’t want to even mention those guys’ names anymore. Shouldn’t even be heard in the same breath as “Yankees.” Ever.

New York has a window, if they make the right moves. The 2022 season should be yet another prime opportunity for this team … but we won’t jump to conclusions since we thought 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 would also be theirs for the taking. They couldn’t have given it all away any faster or in more disheartening fashion.

Creativity is the name of the game here. The Yankees have a loaded farm system with a lot to give, especially if they plan to hang on to a select few names and maximize the primes of Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge (assuming he’s extended soon).

So, if Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Javier Baez and Marcus Semien are off the table for 2022, general manager Brian Cashman needs to make some calls to see if these shortstops across the league are available via trade.

The Yankees need to explore trades for these four shortstops if they pass on one in free agency.

4. Harold Castro

The Detroit Tigers might be the team that lands Correa, so if that happens, would they shop Harold Castro, who got his most exposure at shortstop this past season? In 43 games, he didn’t make a single error at the position … but was good for -5 Defensive Runs Saved. There’s a reason he’s No. 4 on this list.

Then again, the Yankees don’t exactly need the greatest of defensive wizards taking over for Gleyber Torres — someone who has range and can make routine throws/field routine grounders will do. The bar is low right now.

The “knock” on Castro is that he’s more of a utility player than a shortstop, and is a second baseman first and foremost. But he proved he can handle shortstop better than Torres ever could and his bat didn’t suffer. Castro’s a nice slap contact hitter, which is another characteristic this Yankees team needs. Check out his numbers since 2019:

• 2019 – .291 average (103 hits) in 97 games
• 2020 – .347 average (17 hits) in 22 games
• 2021 – .283 average (89 hits) in 106 games

Not great … but not bad! The Yankees could slot a player of Castro’s caliber in the nine-hole and easily get by. Plus, he won’t exactly be expensive in trade talks despite the fact he’s under club control through 2026. He’s about to be 28 years old and doesn’t have a lot of MLB experience. He’d be a fine “stopgap” option and then transition to a utility player once Volpe/Peraza are ready.

3. Isiah Kiner-Falefa

That’s Gold Glover Isiah Kiner-Falefa! Remember, he stole the award from Gio Urshela back in 2020? Good times.

Though he can play multiple positions (he started as a catcher, moved to third base, and is now a shortstop), the Rangers would seemingly be set if they brought in Corey Seager or Trevor Story (that’s what the latest rumors are telling us). Would they want to move Kiner-Falefa back to third base after his full season at shortstop? Sure, it’s possible.

Or would they rather continue to upgrade in other ways via trade and see what they have in former top prospect Yonny Hernandez, who was a positive dWAR player in his 29 games at third base last year (his debut season)? Kiner-Falefa will have rising salaries in arbitration and his bat has yet to come around entering his age-27 season.

But the Yankees will take a guy who’s hit .280 and .271 the last two seasons even if his OPS was as low as .699 and .670. They can afford to absorb that kind of offensive downgrade whereas the Rangers can’t. They were the third-worst team in baseball last year and were among the bottom five in just about every meaningful offensive category. Kiner-Falefa has just 925 career innings at third and has been good for 16 total DRS. Pretty good! But again, enough to move the needle for the Rangers, who need much more?

Texas has a ton of money to spend (and they apparently intend to) this offseason. Maybe they go crazy for Kris Bryant and Seager/Story? Trade Kiner-Falefa? Not too crazy of a thought, and the Yankees would be smart to inquire. Again, Kiner-Falefa can play short in 2022 and then move to a utility role when the next plan comes into focus.

1. Willy Adames or Luis Urías

We’re not sure why this would be a possibility, either, but Joel Sherman of the New York Post recently mentioned Willy Adames as a potential trade target for the Bombers, and that has us thinking. And if Adames is on the table in this hypothetical situation, then why isn’t Luis Urías?

Perhaps the Brewers value Urías’ defensive versatility more (he also plays second and third rather well), but Adames’ bat is undoubtedly superior. Either way, the Yankees should be willing to take either player!

Both can play above-average shortstop (positive dWAR and positive or slightly negative DRS) and provide some pop with the bat (Adames we’re very familiar with, and Urías broke out with 23 bombs last year). Adames has a more proven track record of consistency, however, and getting out of Tropicana Field reportedly really helped his vision. Seriously.

There’s really not much analysis to be had here. We’re not sure if either are available or will be available, but if an insider is speculating, then we have to explore. Adames has played shortstop for 416 out of his 426 career games and is under club control through 2025 … so we’re not sure why he would be a more desired option, especially if the Yankees are looking to keep the spot open for an incoming youngster.

That’s why we popped Urías in here. He can play shortstop well and can easily transition off of it when the time comes given what he’s proven at second and third (did you not see his insane plays during the NLDS against the Braves?).

Realistically, we’d take either one, but if the Yankees are looking for a seamless changing of the guard when Volpe/Peraza are ready, Urías feels like the better option.

3 free agents Yankees will absolutely not be signing

Sorry, but the New York Yankees will absolutely not be signing these three free agents. Look yourself in the mirror. You already knew this.