Latest Yankees rumor could hurt Braves chances at re-signing Freddie Freeman

The New York Yankees reportedly were unwilling to trade either of their top shortstop prospects in talks for A’s star Matt Olson.

Anthony Volpe is a hot commodity in the Yankees farm system, and it speaks volumes about New York’s developmental staff. New York is enamored with the 20-year-old from New Jersey, so much so that they wouldn’t include him in any trade talks for Olson, a bonafide All-Star at the first base position.

Andy Martino of SNY confirmed the Yankees’ disinterest in trading Volpe before the lockout:

"“Before the lockout, the Yankees expressed a strong unwillingness to trade shortstop prospect Anthony Volpe (or for that matter Oswald Peraza) to the Oakland Athletics for first baseman Matt Olson, according to league sources.”"

Stubborn Yankees could hurt Braves with Freddie Freeman

The Yankees had interest in Freddie Freeman before the lockout, and are likely to again after, assuming he doesn’t ink a deal with the Braves in the first 24 hours. Before the work stoppage, the Braves and Freeman struggled to come to an agreement on a contract, with the 2020 NL MVP reportedly seeking six years and $180 million.

If New York were to agree at those terms, perhaps Freeman would agree to spurn the Braves and come to the Bronx. Surely, taking away one of the Yankees’ first base options in Olson can only hurt the Braves. Adding Olson to the lineup in New York would essentially take them out of the Freeman market, and force him back to Atlanta.

The Yankees seem to think their future at shortstop is already in the organization. Volpe still has awhile to go, but they could sign a stopgap option in the meantime, such as the likes of Trevor Story. Either way, the likelihood of Olson heading to the Bronx in a trade not involving either of the Yankees’ top shortstop prospects is slim to none.

The result of New York’s stubborn attitude will force the Braves to pay up for Freeman, or else.