5 star free agents Yankees can sign when lockout ends

2. Trevor Story

Hey … that monster one- or two-year offer is still possible for Trevor Story. If the Yankees still want an elite option at shortstop, they need to get their ducks in a row for when a new CBA is stamped, because there’s going to be a mad rush for the final two options.

Corey Seager and Marcus Semien are in Texas and Javier Baez signed with the Tigers. The selection is dwindling. Truth is, Story’s situation has left us the most puzzled in regard to what kind of contract he might receive. Would he take a chunky prove-it deal to hit free agency again soon and be the clear-cut top shortstop on the market? Or does he want something more than Baez’s six-year, $140 million and to secure his future?

Some previously posited Story could be had in the $120 million range on a long-term pact, but we’re not buying that. The former Rockie is one of the best in the game and he’s not going to let himself become devalued simply because of the other men he’s standing next to this winter. That’s not how this works.

The Yankees might prefer to sign him to a shorter-term contract so they’re not blocking Anthony Volpe or Oswald Peraza, but would a long-term deal really be that bad? Won’t you be able to trade him in a year or two if you really needed or wanted to? Chances are shortstop contracts will continue to get bigger and Story’s could potentially look like a bargain later down the road.

Either way, this is very much a pragmatic match for the Yankees for a multitude of reasons. Good defense. Speed. Contact/power bat. Leadership. Hits ’em all.