The New York Yankees may be looking to upgrade at the shortstop position. A potential trade target that has emerged in MLB’s hot stove season is CJ Abrams. The Washington Nationals have already dealt away MacKenzie Gore to the Rangers, and Abrams could be the next move for new executive Paul Toboni.
Yankees’ shortstop Anthony Volpe is set to start hitting again in mid-February after tearing his labrum last season and getting surgery in October of last year. However, Abrams would certainly be an upgrade over, and recently, MLB insider Jim Bowden gave an update on teams that have been connected with Abrams to this point.
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Yankees Named Trade Partner for CJ Abrams
The San Francisco Giants already reportedly made a run for CJ Abrams, but did not have a trade package strong enough for a deal.
Here is what Jim Bowden wrote about Abrams’ trade chances, and the Yankees being a potential trade partner:
GettyCJ Abrams could be dealt during the season, and the Yankees are a great fit.
“If the Nationals can deal Abrams for a package of three-to-five good prospects, thatâs probably their best play to further their rebuild at this point. The Giants made a run at Abrams already and remain a potential match. Solid potential trade partners also include the Red Sox, Yankees, Padres and Mariners.”
It could be a battle between AL East teams for who lands the coveted All-Star shortstop.
It’s just in the Yankees’ nature to be linked to just about every trade candidate across MLB, but if they want to move on from Anthony Volpe, and many fans would like to see a new shortstop in pinstripes, then New York might have to sacrifice a couple young pieces for Abrams.
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CJ Abrams Career + Fit with Yankees
It’s important to note that one reason the Yankees may not fully pursue CJ Abrams is his fit within the lineup.
New York already has several left-handed hitters (Trent Grisham, Cody Bellinger, Ben Rice, Ryan McMahon, Jazz Chisholm Jr.) slated to be in the Opening Day lineup, and adding another lefty would make the Yankees far too easy to gameplan for.
So, his fit with the Yankees isn’t really that strong for that reason.
Even if the Yankees don’t want to go with Anthony Volpe as the primary shortstop, the team has other infield options like Oswaldo Cabrera, Amed Rosario, and Jose Caballero to lean on as right-handed options.
While the offseason winds down, expect the Yankees to continue to be connected to top trade candidates across the league.
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