3 Yankees position battles that could result in trades before 2022 season

2. Gio Urshela vs DJ LeMahieu vs … Luke Voit?

A no holds barred triple-threat to determine who leaves New York! First one pinned is sent out the door! If that were actually the case, Voit would be back in pinstripes after a few chokeslams through a table.

But this is where things get a little wonky. The Yanks have DJ LeMahieu under contract for $75 million over the next five years. He’s simply not going anywhere after the subpar campaign that was affected by a core muscle injury in 2021. There needs to be room for him somewhere, which isn’t easy after Gleyber Torres shifted back over to second base.

So that leaves first base and third base open for the veteran. At first base, Voit is the current starter, but it’s clear he won’t be here in 2022, whether that means LeMahieu becomes the starter (don’t want that!) or the Yankees chase an upgrade in Freddie Freeman or Matt Olson. The Yankees soured on Voit after his injury troubles last year and further fractured the relationship by trading for Anthony Rizzo and not playing Voit despite the fact he was healthy and there was an opportunity to insert him as the DH.

Instance No. 1: LeMahieu shows the Yankees impressive defensive chops at first base, Voit is traded, they figure out shortstop/third base with someone else, and pass on Freeman/Olson/Rizzo. Don’t think this is very likely.

Then we have Urshela, who’s been rumored to become the team’s next starting shortstop? Utility man? Trade bait? What happened to him just playing third base … where he’s pretty damn good? It’s not entirely clear, but the narrative has switched in a sense and that leaves many fans asking questions.

If LeMahieu shows he can play a capable (everyday) third base and the Yankees prefer a stopgap shortstop option, one of their top prospects, or maybe a monster one- or two-year contract for Trevor Story, that could result in Urshela being traded for assets to improve another area of the roster. In this scenario, the Yankees could also theoretically upgrade in a big way at first base and ship out Voit, too.

It’s very possible both the futures of Voit and Urshela are somewhat dependent on LeMahieu, which is wild to think about.

1. Aroldis Chapman vs Jonathan Loaisiga

Plenty of teams looking to leap into contention need a closer, and the Yankees have two — at least, if we’re to assume Jonathan Loaisiga’s breakout 2021 is here to stay. If New York believes the young right-hander is suited for the ninth inning, then why bother holding onto Aroldis Chapman, who’s set to make $16 million in the final year of his deal?

There is one problem, though. The genius Yankees front office, AFTER Chapman smiled on the mound as he watched Jose Altuve trot the bases in that humiliating ALCS Game 6, decided to extend the veteran AND give him a full no-trade clause. Beyond anyone’s comprehension.

Chapman would have to approve of any trade, which complicates things, but perhaps a fresh start on another contender would appeal to the left-hander, who’s largely been great as a Yankee but has failed to deliver any signature moments (and potentially reversed a few, in fact).

This all obviously hinges on Loaisiga looking good this spring. Injuries happen, especially with pitchers, so the Yankees need to be absolutely sure he’s atop his game to take over the closer role. Maybe it will allow the Yankees to get all of Chapman’s $16 million off the books. At the very least, maybe they eat $4 million of that and send him packing, freeing up $12 million under the CBT.

Chapman’s last two seasons (74 total games) have arguably been the worst of his career (even though he’s still been really good as far as closers go). But it’s just not enough. The highs aren’t nearly high enough to justify the back-breaking lows that leave you searching for reasons why you stay up past 11 p.m. to watch what should’ve been an easy win get blown in spectacular fashion.

The Yankees can get similar production at a cheaper price. Aren’t they trying to imitate the Rays? Isn’t this all part of the plan? Cashman can figure out a way to add two more capable late-inning relievers to this bullpen by trading spare parts. If there’s a window to trade Chapman, it needs to be thoroughly explored. Time to move on with the next era of Yankees baseball.

3 former Yankees Brian Cashman can still sign in free agency

The New York Yankees can sign these 3 former Bombers in free agency, and it likely won't cost much for Brian Cashman to take flyers.