The New York Yankees They are already determined to move Gleyber Torres to second base and look for a shortstop for the next season of the MLB.
The good news is that in the free agent market of Big leagues This winter they will have a choice, as several elite defenders of this position will be available.
Two of them will be Andrelton simmons and Trevor Story. The former was already known to have been in the sights of New York management before this season’s trade deadline.
Yankees’ offseason checklist: Aaron Boone, Aaron Judge, Clint Frazier… maybe Trevor Story https://t.co/HtS4cfgmB4 pic.twitter.com/jcmxmYZphN
– NJ.com Sports (@NJ_Sports) October 6, 2021
Simmons, who has struggled with depression issues in the past, did not have his best season with the Minnesota Twins in 2021.
However, hopefully a star like him will have a rebound next year. If the Yankees want to prioritize the defense in their decision, Simmons must be chosen.
The 32-year-old Curaçao-born player has won the Golden Glove four times. Offense has never been his forte, and he has no power (his home run top is 17 and three times in 10 years he has gone from 10). He stole 19 bases in one season and is coming off earning 10.5 million dollars.
If they want a shortstop with a more offensive profile and are willing to pay for it, then they should take Trevor Story.
The infielder just played his final year of contract with the Colorado Rockies and has made it clear that he wants to change of scene. Story is a two-time Silver Bat winner, has more power and speed than Simmons (averaging 34 home runs and 22 stolen bases in six seasons).
Yankees Attempted To Acquire Andrelton Simmons At Trade Deadline https://t.co/2xZRBNj829 pic.twitter.com/O9byaUCXnR
– MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) October 9, 2021
At 26 years of age, he would be aspiring to a multi-year contract and his market value, according to the Spotrac portal, will be around $ 29,829,964 per season.
With several open flanks, the Yankees have to choose their investment priorities carefully this winter, and that may lead them to choose Simmons.
A deal with him will not be as long a commitment or as expensive as Story and may be the answer to the team’s defensive meltdown.