3 former Yankees who could return to the Bronx this offseason

Japan's starting pitcher Masahiro Tanaka hurls the ball during the second inning of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games baseball round 2 game between USA and Japan at Yokohama Baseball Stadium in Yokohama, Japan, on August 2, 2021. (Photo by KAZUHIRO FUJIHARA / AFP) (Photo by KAZUHIRO FUJIHARA/AFP via Getty Images) /

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Yankees offseason rumors, Didi Gregorius

PHILADELPHIA, PA – AUGUST 24: Didi Gregorius #18 and Jean Segura #2 of the Philadelphia Phillies react against the Tampa Bay Rays at Citizens Bank Park on August 24, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Rays defeated the Phillies 3-1. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

2. Didi Gregorius

The Yankees let Gregorius walk in an effort to install Gleyber Torres as their everyday shortstop. To put it bluntly, that hasn’t worked out in the slightest for New York. Finding a new shortstop is now the team’s top priority of the offseason.

Prying Gregorius away from the Phillies might be difficult, but it’s certainly not impossible. He’s hitting the last year of his current contract and Philadelphia might be ready to move in a new direction.

From the Yankees’ perspective, bringing the fan-favorite back home could buy time for Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza to mature enough to take over the full-time starting position as soon as Opening Day of the 2023 campaign.

In the short term, the return of Gregorius’ powerful left-handed stroke could provide valuable balance to Boone’s everyday lineup. He’s not a gold glover by any means, but he makes more routine player than Torres. That’s why bringing Didi home could prove to be a stroke of genius for Cashman and company.

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