NEW CONCERNS ABOUT POSSIBLE YANKEE TARGET TREVOR STORY

Christmas is coming fast. Yankee fans are making a list and checking it twice and the Yankees have been naughty and not nice. So far Santa Claus a.k.a Brian Cashman has not delivered Yankee fans any presents at all.

Brian Cashman already said that shortstop was an area that must be prioritized, but several shortstops went off the market before the lockout started. The Yankees have done nothing, and now one Yankee interest that is still available may also be passed over, just like the others.

Last season the Yankees tried to acquire Trevor Story at the trade deadline but had no luck. Now that the Yankees can just sign him if they want him there is some troublesome news out in the rumor mill. NJ.com has the scoop HERE and it may be cause for concern:

"Most scouts believe that the 29-year-old Story would benefit from a shift to second base due to diminished arm strength. He’s dealt with elbow strains over the past few seasons and a shift to second base might reduce the overall wear and tear."

Now we have to wonder if Cashman will pass on Story just like other free agent shortstops. Story has had some injury concerns that can't be ignored. At the same time, it is easy to be swayed and take a gamble especially if you look at his impressive numbers from 2018 and 2019. If Story's arm strength really is diminishing and his future is at second base rather than shortstop the Yankees are back to their current log jam.

The Yankees moved Gleyber Torres back to second base and then we can't forget that the Yankees envisioned DJ LeMahieu at second base also, his strongest position. It's another log jam that the Yankees would create.

And a move like Story also means more money that wouldn't be used to keep Aaron Judge around, if that is what they want. So maybe a short stopgap is what Brian Cashman will do because something's gotta give. It wouldn't be too hard to upgrade shortstop from what we had with Torres so not making a move at all just won't be acceptable.

But is Story an acceptable risk? I really don't think so only because we already have too many long term deals on the books. I don't think Story is the answer....but Cashman better move fast when this lockout is finally over. 

--Jeana Bellezza-Ochoa

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

TIMING JUST WASN'T RIGHT FOR RIZZO

Source: Yahoo Sports

Anthony Rizzo came to the Yankees in late 2021 to help them over the edge. But then he contracted COVID-19 and had to sit out critical games where he could have had an impact. Then it took him time to transition back to full strength. And just like that...the season was over. Now with the lockout in place, the Yankees and Rizzo have not made any decisions about him staying in the Bronx. Timing hasn't been right for Rizzo and I am not sure he will be in pinstripes this spring.

Source: Adam Hunger | AP

"It was great,” Rizzo said. “You go from playing at Wrigley Field and the Cubs to New York (and) Yankee Stadium. What more can you ask for? Getting traded from one big market to another," reported NJ.com. Even for a short period of time, Rizzo's excitement for baseball and for playing for another big market team added value to a very dismal ball club. The moral in the dugout was poor, chemistry equally poor but having guys like Rizzo around added charisma and spark and besides that he offers tremendous value defensively and a lefty bat in a predominantly right-handed lineup. 

Source: NJ.com

According to Brendan Kuty of NJ.com, "The Yankees are still interested in a potential reunion with the 32-year-old, but are also exploring other ways to shore up first base. The Yankees have talked internally about trading for A’s first baseman Matt Olson, a source told NJ Advance Media. Oakland and New York have been in contact but it’s unclear whether the sides have exchanged possible trade scenarios." 

Olson could also be valuable to the Yankees but there is something about Rizzo that makes me want to keep him in the Bronx. Playing for two big market teams and doing it with grace and professionalism tells me that he is worth holding out for, and perhaps when the lockout lifts, the Yankees should continue negotiation to keep him with the organization. 

Source: NY Times

"Rizzo immediately became a fan favorite when he went deep in each of his first two games as a Yankee. He slashed .249/.340/.428 with the Yankees and hit a home run in the AL Wild Card Game against the Boston Red Sox," reported Yahoo Sports. Plus the guy loves walking his pup Kevin in Central Park for long walks in between games. He really embraced the City. Again, that's endearing and not overlooked in the whole package the 32-year-old brings with him. 

So far timing has been against Rizzo. Starting his new team in the middle of the pandemic, and now with the lockout, Rizzo has had to navigate adversity. But he is excited to begin the next part of his career and would more than happy to do it in New York. Let's hope Brian Cashman can make things work once the lockout and lifts and we keep Rizzo in the Bronx in 2022. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

WHY ARE THE YANKEES PURSUING SEIYA SUZUKI?

I'm disappointed in the Yankees. We're doing nothing.  I know that Steve Cohen over in Mets land thinks he's competing with the Yanks by signing all these guys, but that's not my issue.  You die when you go with the Mets. It's just the way it is. Look at Francisco Lindor. But as a Yankees fan, it's more than that. What are they doing really?

If they are doing what they did 20 years ago and slickly and stealthfully trying to pull out a big name in the dead of night right before Christmas so we all get all feel fuzzy inside, think again. That move is so 90's. Why? Because the Yankees haven't been successful for years. Their Marketing team needs to think about new ways to excite their fans. Like... here's an idea... sign someone when they are available. Show them the money! Make it happen to prove that you actually care about bringing a Championship to the Bronx.

My season tickets are gone. I gave mine up. I've had it. When top guys in their office don't make moves and when teams like the 2021 Yanks can't go deep in a series... you really have to think about what they want out of their team. And right about now? I have no faith.

Once again they are looking at a Japanese player they really don't know much about in Seiya Suzuki. I've seen this movie before. It never works out. I think they're actually "IN" because the Red Sox are in. And for me... we need to stop with being spoilers and start being competitors. That's no way to run a team.

MLB Trade Rumors writes:

"The Red Sox make for a fairly logical landing spot...The fit with the Yankees is a bit less smooth, given that they have a number of outfield options already on hand. On paper, the outfield consists of Joey Gallo in left, Aaron Hicks in center and Aaron Judge in right, with designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton available for the occasional appearance on the grass and prospect Estevan Florial on hand as depth. However, they may be reluctant to rely on Hicks as an everyday option, given that he’s now 32 years old and has dealt with injury setbacks in recent years, including only playing 32 games in 2021. "

All of this makes sense. What doesn't make sense is why the Yankees signed Hicks to a long term deal in the first place. He's injury prone and not as good as they think.  But more to that. Why are the Yankees pursuing Seiya Suzuki? What does it benefit them? Yes, he can play short... he can play third, and he plays outfield too but this isn't the guy. Why is it the Yankees top move this offseason when we need so much more... a lefty pitcher... a legit shortstop... a first baseman?

I have lost alot of faith in this team. I am a die hard Yankee fan that is fully disappointed in the direction they have gone.  It totally sucks.  

Stay tuned.

HERE'S HOW AARON JUDGE IS SPENDING HIS TIME DURING LOCKOUT

He's getting locked up. I kid, I kid but my husband would tell you that he just signed himself up for a life sentence. Real life does still happen in he middle of a lockout and in this case Aaron Judge just got married!

Yup, any ladies out there with a major Aaron Judge crush out there I hate to break it to you but he is officially off of the market. Congrats to Mr. & Mrs. Aaron Judge! Now, can we just talk about how amazing it is that these two managed to pull off a beautiful wedding in Hawaii that seemed to fly under the radar?

It's interesting to think about. The face of the Yankees and longtime girlfriend Samantha Bracksieck have actually flown under the radar for the majority of their relationship (besides her very public DUI arrest in Arizona). The couple have been together for some time, at least since he was drafted in 2014. They never formally announced their engagement but then photos of what appeared to be an engagement ring appeared in June of this year and last month rumors of their bachelor and bachelorette parties surfaced.

And now Jude has managed to hold a wedding ceremony without attention from the masses. He pulled off a wedding in front of a small group of close friends and family while baseball is on pause. He clearly had no stress in paradise. 

Big congrats to the happy couple. Not that I'm not happy for them but I'd rather be talking about trades and signings going on right now. I don't like winter breaks, so winter lockouts really suck.

--Jeana Bellezza

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

THE RIDICULOUS YANKEE CATCHER SAGA CONTINUES

Source: The Athletic

I am just sick of it. Sick of Gary Sanchez. Sick of mediocre. Sick of the Yankees investing in a catcher that simply will not get better; at least not here in the Bronx. So as the saga of Yankee catching continues the Yankees made another bonehead move, that makes me think that they are just okay with keeping things the way they are—having an exposed weakness, Achilles Heel, behind the dish.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees signed 32-year-old veteran catcher Rob Brantly to a minor league deal. Brantly will likely start for Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre come this spring. He offers a lefty bat which could provide some diversity to a prominently righty lineup. 

Source: MLB.com

"Brantly has played in nine different organizations in the minors. He’s also played in parts of seven seasons in the majors, hitting .224 over 134 games. He played six games in the bigs with the Yankees last year," reported NJ.com. 

Are the Yankees serious? I realize there are not a lot of catchers in this year's free agency class or up for grabs if you will but I have written about a potential Yankees-Cubs trade, enabling Wilson Contreras to come to the Bronx in 2022. But on Tuesday, the Cubs tendered Contreras, which could keep him from the Yankees. Too little too late seems to be the mantra for the Yankees this off season. 

Source: Miami-Herald

According to The Athletic on Friday, "They don’t have another starting option right now, they likely feel there is value for him on the market (he seems like a great change-of-scenery candidate), and there’s a lot of uncertainty about player movement post-lockout in general."

That is a good explanation but not one I was hoping for. But what value does Brantly bring to act as a transition for the Yankees as more catching becomes available? 

"While Brantly swings a light bat, the Yankees like that he’s a solid pitch framer and overall defender. He’s also considered good in the clubhouse. He hit .289 with nine homers and 43 RBI in 68 games at Triple-A last year for the Yankees. The Yankees carried Brantly on the taxi squad for their AL Wild-Card loss to the Red Sox," reported NJ.com.

The Yankee saga behind the plate continues. One glimmer of hope is that they are at least prioritizing defense in considering Brantly. I guess I just wish they would go after someone great instead of good, if I could call Brantly that. Everyone deserves a chance I suppose, but Sanchez has had more live than a cat. Time to phase him out and maybe the Brantly move accelerates that journey.

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

CLINT FRAZIER BROKE UP WITH THE YANKEES & HIS RAZOR TOO!

Obviously Clint Frazier's turbulent tenure with the Yankees is over and while some fans aren't missing him at all, it appears he's not missing us either. He's moving on....sort of.

Frazier agreed to a one year deal with the Cubs prior to the lockout and he sounds like he is very happy to be out of New York. Check out his latest tweet:

Frazier posted a photoshopped image of him in his new uniform and joked that he was "leaving my razor at home" obviously making a dig at the Yankees longstanding anti-facial hair policy. I wonder if we will see his longer hair make a come back. Frazier cut his hair after the 2017 season after Joe Girardi said his hair was a "distraction." He also poked fun at the Mickey Mantle rumor from a while back that he had allegedly requested to wear number 7, which is obviously retired. 

After that some fans had some mean tweets in response and now some of them have been deleted. One fan went as far as saying he was glad he was gone, which Frazier agreed with.

I said at the end of the 2020 season that I felt like Frazier was in a "make it or break it" stage with the Yankees. If he didn't breakthrough and find a way past his defensive and health issues that his time with the Yankees would be over. Unfortunately, it didn't work out. The Yankees were patient, they gave it more than enough time but he never lived up to their big expectations when they traded for him back in 2016. It sucks, but it happens. 

Now Frazier gets a new start. He gets to try and prove himself on a low-risk one year deal with the Cubs and maybe he can finally be an effective everyday player. I think Frazier had a lot of potential when we got him, it just never came to fruition. Maybe it can with the Cubs. Not everyone can handle New York, and we've seen that many other times before.

New York isn't a fit for everyone. I think it was time for the Yankees to move on. I also think it is time for Frazier to move on and get a fresh start. I wish him well. I hope he does succeed and he gets the opportunity that he is looking for.

So I guess the Yankees and Frazier have mutual feelings and it can be a clean breakup. We can find another outfielder....and Frazier can reunite with his hair and also breakup with his razor. It all works out in the end. Good Luck to you, Red Thunder.

--Jeana Bellezza

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

 

YANKEES ARE HOME-GROWING THE SHORTSTOP OF THEIR FUTURE

Source: Associated Press

As Derek Jeter welcomed the birth of his third daughter, River Rose Jeter on December 2nd, it is almost difficult to remember the Hall of Famer in the other position that made him famous. Jeter had 20 seasons with the Yankees and his accolades are too much to list for this post. We all appreciated his hard work and determination. The Yankees home cooked their shortstop and even though when he ran onto the field for the first time, he was not the best, by the time he left two decades later, he left his mark on the game that made him famous. What if I told you we could do this again? I mean what if I told you that the next greatest shortstop for the New York Yankees was right within their organization already?

Source: NJ.com

"General manager Brian Cashman has pointed to shortstop as an unsettled area of need this offseason. While the club engaged the free-agent and trade markets, the 20-year-old Anthony Volpe's rising status is part of the equation when considering future moves. MLB Pipeline rated Volpe as the No. 15 prospect in all of baseball," reported MLB's Bryan Hoch.

The guy has been a slow riser, having what Brian Cashman called an impressive season with the the Tampa Yankees and the Hudson Valley Renegades combined. The 2019 first round draft pick has been turning heads and he has the attention of Cashman who may decide to forgo the money and instead put resources into grooming Volpe for the Yankees' future.

Source: NorthJersey.com

"You have some guys that are on the come that you have to think highly of," Cashman said. "That means you either make plans for them to hopefully arrive here and impact you, or ultimately I guess sometimes they can be trade pieces. But you always like to hold on to the best of the best if you can. When you have the ability to play shortstop, it's usually the most athletic person on the field," reported Hoch.

Source: NY Post

According to CBS Sports, "Volpe is the prime example of a prospect whose development caught everyone by surprise because it happened behind closed doors. The strength he added during the 2020 shutdown filled in the missing pieces of a profile characterized by instincts and work ethic, and the result was a player with so few flaws that he may push for a promotion by his 21st birthday." Sounds like Jeter material if I ever heard a scouting report? And the kid is humble and willing to work hard to add value to his team, without letting his rise go to his head.

"I'm working really hard to get ready and be in the best shape, best mental, everything for Spring Training," Volpe said. "I think I'd be doing my trainers and my teammates that I'm working out with a disservice if I was reading into stuff like that," reported Hoch.

So are the Yankees selling themselves short by investing in a kid to play shortstop? No. If history repeats itself, they are doing themselves a favor. Home-growing the shortstop of the future? Sure why not. Let's see if they really pledge the resources to do this right and we just might see Anthony Volpe in pinstripes in the Bronx this spring. 

--Suzie Pinstripe

BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

RUMOR: CORREA HAS AN INJURY & IS HIDING IT!

Twitter is buzzing and the subject has me glued to my social media accounts. If this true, it is HUGE news and only reinforces how I already feel. What am I talking about?

In case you missed it, there is a juicy rumor out there that Carlos Correa is not being transparent about an injury he has been dealing with. I didn't believe it at first until I came across audio on Twitter. Now social media is convinced that this is a major reason why he hasn't signed a deal and others like Corey Seager and Javier Baez have. Interesting.....

Buster Olney discussed Correa on a podcast and just because it is Correa it peaked my interest. If what Olney is reporting is credible then the Yankees should run the other way. I will be honest, I want them to run away even if he is completely healthy BUT I already think he has no morals or integrity so this only makes me dislike him even more. The idea that his medical records are only accessible with a "significant offer" isn't logical at all but if anyone would actually try to pull this kind of stunt it makes sense it would be a low-life cheater like Correa. It's not the first time he has lacked transparency, and it won't be the last.

And maybe this is part of the reason why the Houston ASSTROS only offered five years at $160 million. Sure they want him at the best price possible but maybe five years is as far as they will go if he does have a concerning injury. It makes sense. The ASSTROS know what Correa is dealing with better than anyone. They love what he's done for the organization and money aside, they offered five years when many insiders were guessing a nine year deal. The Yankees should look at the ASSTROS offer and analyze that some more. ALL teams should.

I've never been a fan of signing Correa. He has a history of controversy surrounding him and now it follows him as he tries to cash in as a free agent. Let Correa be some other teams headache.....and backache in this case.

--Jeana Bellezza

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

STEINBRENNER DECLARES WE NEED TO GET BETTER, PERIOD.

Source: CBS Sports

With the lockout in full throttle, the Yankees will be in the spotlight once the new agreement goes into place, whenever that will be. The New Post calls this the end of Act 1 and the beginning of Act 2 where the Yankees have no choice but to be active instead of their dulling silence amidst some of the biggest signings in the history of the game. We need to get better, period. Yes, thanks Hal. How we are gunna do that?

"The Yankees haven’t answered their questions at shortstop or center field, and they could use another starting pitcher (they offered one year and $25 million to Justin Verlander, who accepted two years and $50 million from the Astros) plus some more bullpen depth," reported the New York Post. And on the Yankees radar are guys like Trevor Story and yes Carlos Correa. But their failure to pull the trigger in Act 1 really makes me feel uncertain about this team and the vision for the future. 

As SB Nation reminds us, "Roughly $1.7 billion was spent in the free agent frenzy that preceded the expiration of the previous CBA, but the Yankees were conspicuously absent from the headlines. Despite clear needs at multiple spots on the roster, New York’s only piece of business before the transactional freeze took effect was the re-signing of reliever Joely Rodríguez to a one-year, $2 million deal."

I think the biggest blow for me was the Yankees tendering Gary Sanchez last week. I guess I am not surprised but I am just sick and tired of Sanchez and his inability to quite frankly, get better. I know that the Yankees are considering division rival Kevin Kiermaier but what about his teammate and catcher Mike Zunino? He is up for free agency in 2022-2023 and unfortunately for the Yankees, the Rays locked Zunino for a one-year 7-million dollar option. By the way, the Yankees are paying Sanchez 7.9 million. Frustrating. Last week, I mentioned the idea of the Yankees going after Cubs catcher Wilson Contreras, which is still a possibility.  

So the Yankees have not moved on a center fielder, shortstop or starting pitching and the Winter Meetings are now a minor league event with the lockout in progress. How are the Yankees going to get better? How are they going to make up for lost time? These are the questions that keep me up at night. Good thing I have my new Purple sheets and comfy LL Bean pajamas to help my slumber, because the Yankees are down right aggravating even when they are not playing. 

 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof

TWO BIG GUYS THE YANKEES ARE CREEPING AROUND

 The offseason for the Yankees blows. Let's not get it twisted.

But in this whole world, Yankee fans are always thinking "Well, maybe if they are quiet in public, they're gonna make a big splash at some point because of whatever their doing behind the scenes."

That's what I'm going with.  There are 2 guys the Yankees are reportedly looking at and creeping around and hopefully, if Cashman can find the time around his busy schedule of hanging from buildings, he can make a freaking move.

Lindsey Adler of the Atlantic put this tweet out:

Have heard the Yankees have also expressed some interest in Kevin Kiermaier, though discussion does not seem advanced right now. Kiermaier is owed $12m next season and is obviously an exceptional center fielder. https://t.co/pUadIeWcQ0

— Lindsey Adler (@lindseyadler) November 30, 2021

Now, the Phillies like Kiermaier as well, even though the Yankees have checked in. Phillies Nation writes: 

"The Phillies have had trade discussions with the Tampa Bay Rays regarding center fielder Kevin Kiermaier...Kiermaier, 31, is a a three-time Gold Glove Award winner and would represent an upgrade defensively in center field. The acquisition makes sense considering that the Phillies are reportedly pursuing Kyle Schwarber, a power bat who isn’t the best defender in left field. Bryce Harper also struggled in right field over the past two seasons."

To be honest, I don't see the Yankees making a move as fast as the Phillies would. But then that brings us to Freddie Freeman, which I believe is the Yankees top goal this offseason... even more than Carlos Correa.

Pinstripe Alley writes:

"...the Yankees are “definitely interested” in star first baseman Freddie Freeman.

The incumbent Braves are obvious favorites to retain Freeman’s services, but it’s still notable to see the Yankees described as actively interested in anything at this point. Heyman notes that Freeman is seeking in the neighborhood of $180 million across six years, coincidentally the exact amount MLB Trade Rumors had forecasted for Freeman.

That would certainly seem like a fine deal for one of the league’s best hitters, with the 32-year-old Freeman coming off a three-year stretch in which he produced a cumulative 142 OPS+. If the bidding sticks in that $180-million range, expect Atlanta to simply re-sign their man." 

Freeman is a must as far as I'm conerned and it's clear they want him and not Anthony Rizzo, because if they wanted Rizzo, it would have been done.

We will see what what will happen next, but I will say this... the Yankees need to do something big.

RUMOR: YANKEES ARE INTERESTED IN MORE THAN ONE SHORTSTOP

It's back to the drawing board for the Yankees. Brian Cashman said that that shortstop was an area of need that would have to be addressed but the Yankees are still without a shortstop. It's frustrating when you see some of the big names sign with other teams, so now that some of the big names are gone....how is Cashman going to fix the shortstop problem?

There are still options out there, just not as flashy as before. The Yankees could still go after Carlos Correa even though I hate the idea because I can't stand him and since Corey Seager just got a ridiculous 10-year, $325 million deal Correa will be even more expensive. So, who else are the Yankees looking at? Names they've already been linked to.

1. Isiah Kiner-Falefa
The Rangers surprisingly spent a lot of money after signing Marcus Semien and Seager and they also have a surplus of middle-infield prospects so they are shopping Kiner-Falefa. The Rangers are also going to lose second and third round draft picks next year so trading Kiner-Falefa for some prospects might make more sense for them in the long run. On paper, the Rangers and Yankees line up for another trade. Kiner-Falefa is only 26 and is under arbitration control through 2023. He doesn't have a lot of power, but he did have a .271 BA last season and was successful in 20 out of 25 stolen base attempts last season. The Yankees could definitely use some speed on the bases and he can play third base which would give the Yankees some additional flexibility.

2. Andrelton Simmons
No surprise on this one, the Yankees have been interested in Simmons for a while now. The Yankees tried to get the Minnesota Twins to trade him at the deadline so now they could just sign him to a short term deal which they seem to prefer. Simmons could be a serviceable stopgap, he has won four Gold Gloves in his 10 year career. He is an elite defender and finished last season with 16 Outs Above Average and would be the solid defender that the Yankees have been missing. If the Yankees do choose to go with Simmons they would have to be comfortable with a great fielder and a guy that isn't going to be a big offensive contributor. That may be hard to accept considering how much the Yankees have struggled with offense in recent years. Simmons also is a traditional everyday shortstop and has no experience playing other positions which does not offer the Yankees any flexibility.

Do either of these guys excite me? No, not really but neither does Clown Correa and I'm glad the Yankees didn't match Seager's stupid crazy 10-year deal from the Rangers. Cashman is gonna have to do something here, but we will have to wait and see what that is. 

--Jeana Bellezza

BYB Senior Managing Editor

Twitter: @nyprincessj

COULD FREDDIE FREEMAN BE A YANKEE IN 2022?

It is no surprise that Freddie Freeman is one of the top, if not the top, free agent in this year's cohort. The 2020 NL MVP and World Series Champion first base man is being pursued by the Yankees and division rival Toronto Blue Jays. Could Freeman be a Yankee in 2022? Why not!

According to Jon Heyman of MLB Network's Tweet on Tuesday afternoon, "Teams are trying to pry superstar 1B Freddie Freeman from Atlanta. Some say they still don’t think it will happen but r surprised he’s still free. Dodgers, who lost Seager and could move Muncy to 2B, may have best hope for SoCal product, NYY, TOR (h/t Carlos Baerga) reached out." Would the Yankees even want to bring in another first baseman when they need a shortstop and likely a center fielder, not to mention more starting pitching? Stranger things have happened.

"Freeman is one of the game’s most consistently productive hitters, having been at least 32 percentage points better than average at the plate (by measure of wRC+) in each season since 2013," wrote MLB Rumors. Even though that is an attractive reason to go for Freeman, plus he is an all around great guy and would add amazing chemistry to the Yankee clubhouse, the Yankees need to go after what they need right now: short stop, center field and a starting pitcher. 

MLB Network's Jon Morosi tweeted, "Free agent Chris Taylor is drawing broad interest and could sign by Wednesday. Dodgers would like to retain him. Blue Jays, Mariners, Angels, and Nationals also have been involved over the past week." What about Taylor, who can play outfield, shortstop and second base? He put up great numbers this past year and would be a better choice given the Yankees current needs. 

Could Freddie Freeman be a Yankee in 2022? Sure. Will he be? Not likely. Given the Yankees deficits, they need to stay focused on filling positions of high need. And with Corey Kluber, Clint Frazier, Tyler Wade and other players off the roster and on other teams, the Yankees need to start to fill the void with players who can keep the team competitive and fresh for a fight for the East and eventual World Series run. As much as I would love to see Freeman in pinstripes, they need to pass. 

--Suzie Pinstripe
BYB Senior Managing Editor
Twitter: @suzieprof