The shortstop market is robust this offseason, but don’t expect the Yankees to dabble in it.
In some ways, that’s not a surprise. They have two quality prospects at the position knocking on the door to becoming full-time Major Leaguers in Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza – the latter of whom saw time in the big leagues down the stretch, including in the postseason.
They also have an established veteran in Isiah Kiner-Falefa, who is about to enter his final arbitration-eligible season before becoming a free agent this time next year.
All of that is to say that the Yankees don’t necessarily need a shortstop. However, there are clear upgrades over Kiner-Falefa on the market, and it can be a gamble going into the season with inexperience at a premier position, even if hopes are high for Peraza and Volpe.
Brian Cashman this week sounded comfortable with the Yankees’ setup at the position, which the New York Post’s Joel Sherman expounded on during “The Show” podcast.
“One of those teams (going after a shortstop) will not be the Yankees," Sherman said. "The Yankee people pretty much have assured me that they're going with the idea that Peraza or Volpe is going to be their shortstop. If they have to hold on a bit with Isiah Kiner-Falefa, they’ll do it.”
Upgrading at shortstop would ultimately be a luxury for the Yankees. With other areas to prioritize – there’s a pretty notable decision to be made in the outfield – it seems like it will be a youth movement at short in The Bronx next season.
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