5 shortstops who could start for the Yankees on Opening Day

Yankees: 5 shortstops who could start on Opening Day

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 30: Carlos Correa #1 of the Houston Astros reacts after hitting a single against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning in Game Four of the World Series at Truist Park on October 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 29: Trevor Story #27 of the Colorado Rockies acknowledges the crowd as the team walks around the warning track after their final home game and win over the Washington Nationals at Coors Field on September 29, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

2. Trevor Story

Story is another free agent looking for a big contract, but his struggles over the past two seasons in Colorado likely mean he’ll be forced to take a short-term, make good deal to reestablish his value.

A very logical plan for Cashman and the front office would be to ink Story to a lucrative two-year deal in free agency that would limit the team’s long-term financial exposure. In essence, the idea would be for Story to keep the seat warm while Peraza and Volpe develop into guys who can positively impact the Major League roster.

That doesn’t mean the Yankees wouldn’t be forced to outlay serious cash. Story will command at least $25 million in annual salary to accept a short-term contract. That would still represent a win for the Yankees in their effort to preserve long-term financial flexibility.

In many ways, landing Story on a short-term deal represents the best reasonable option for the Yankees to pursue once the lockout ends. He’s not a player without risk, but any sort of bounce-back performance from Story could emphatically solve one of Boone’s biggest headaches.

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