Here is the latest buzz surrounding Yankees trade and free agent targets…
March 15, 11:40 p.m.
According to multiple reports, 1B Anthony Rizzo will re-sign with the Yankees. It will be a two-year deal worth $32 million with an opt-out after the first year.
With the Yankees bringing back Rizzo, it very likely means they are out of the Freddie Freeman sweepstakes as the former Brave is still being courted by the Dodgers, Red Sox, Blue Jays, and Rays.
March 15, 9:27 a.m.
The Yankees remain in contact with free agent 1B Anthony Rizzo about a reunion, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
The Yanks are among the teams interested in Freddie Freeman (along with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, and Tampa Bay Rays), but recent reports have indicated that New York landing Freeman could be unlikely.
And with the Oakland Athletics trading Yanks target Matt Olson to the Braves on Monday, Rizzo could be the most logical free agent fit at first for the Bombers.
March 14, 2:11 p.m.
The Atlanta Braves are trading for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson.
In exchange for Olson, the Braves will send OF Cristian Pache, C Shea Langeliers, RHP Ryan Cusick, and RHP Joey Estes to the A’s.
The Yankees were interested in Olson, but had been reluctant to part with top shortstop prospect Anthony Volpe.
With Olson heading to the Braves, it almost certainly means Freddie Freeman will be signing elsewhere — potentially with the Los Angeles Dodgers, who have been aggressively pursuing him.
The Yanks have also been interested in Freeman, with a reunion with free agent Anthony Rizzo possible if Freeman signs elsewhere.
New York also has two internal first base candidates — Luke Voit and DJ LeMahieu.
March 13, 9:34 p.m.
1B/OF Ronald Guzman is signing a minor league contract with the Yankees, according to Junior Matrille. His deal includes an invite to spring training.
The 27-year-old has played in 243 career games over four seasons in the big leagues with the Texas Rangers. He’s hit .227/.304/.414 throughout his career with 31 home runs and 104 RBI in 826 plate appearances.
Guzman played in just seven games in the 2021 season before suffering a meniscus tear in his right knee. He underwent surgery on April 23, 2021 and was placed on the 60-day IL.
March 13, 3 p.m.
The Yankees have signed outfielder Tim Locastro to a one-year deal.
In 2021, the 29-year-old hit .181 in 64 combined games between the Arizona Diamondbacks and Yankees. Locastro suffered a right ACL injury in July 2021 and underwent surgery that cost him the remainder of the season.
He was claimed off waivers by the Boston Red Sox in November, but was non-tendered.
Locastro’s signing gives New York some outfield depth behind Aaron Judge, Joey Gallo, Giancarlo Stanton and a returning Aaron Hicks.
March 12, 7:45 p.m.
Another shortstop has come off the board.
According to multiple reports, Jose Iglesias has signed a one-year, $5 million deal with the Colorado Rockies.
Iglesias, 32, split his time last season with the Los Angeles Angels and Boston Red Sox. In 10 big league seasons, Iglesias has a career slash line of .277/.318/.382.
Still, big names like Trevor Story and Carlos Correa remain available.
March 12, 11:24 a.m.
Of course, the first post-lockout trade affects the Yankees.
The Texas Rangers are shipping shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Minnesota Twins, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
The Yankees had shown interest in the newest Twin, SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino noted.
Catcher Mitch Garver is going back to Texas in the deal, who signed Marcus Semien and Corey Seager pre-lockout.
March 11, 6:20 p.m.
Cross one potential shortstop option off of the Yankees’ list.
According to multiple reports, veteran shortstop Andrelton Simmons is signing with the Chicago Cubs on a one-year deal worth $4 million dollars.
Simmons isn’t the flashiest name on the list of available shortstops, but he was probably the best defensive option, earning four Gold Gloves during his 10-year career.
Bigger names like Carlos Correa and Trevor Story are still available, but Simmons, who could have been a more modest option for the Yankees should they look to spend big elsewhere, is now off the board.
March 11, 4:02 p.m.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been mentioned as one of the top suitors for Freddie Freeman, and Dodgers manager Dave Roberts added fuel to that fire on Friday.
“I would love to see Freddie Freeman in a Dodgers uniform,” Roberts told reporters. “Who wouldn’t?”
In addition to the Dodgers and Yankees, the Braves are still attempting to retain Freeman, whose future is up in the air after an expectation early this offseason that he would return to Atlanta.
Freeman could potentially get a deal of five years or more.
March 11, 9:52 a.m.
The Chicago Cubs are among the favorites to sign possible Yankees target Carlos Correa, reports Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
Correa, 27, could be a perfect fit for the Yanks at shortstop, but the club has two highly thought of shortstop prospects — Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza — nearing the majors.
If the Yankees were to sign Correa, they could possibly slide him to third base at some point. But it should be noted that he’s only ever played shortstop in the majors.
Correa, who will likely be seeking a deal similar to the 10-year, $341 million contract signed by Francisco Lindor last offseason, slashed .279/.366/.485 with 26 homers in 148 games last season for the Houston Astros while winning a Gold Glove at short and coming in fifth in American League MVP voting.
March 10, 8:50 p.m.
Now that the new CBA has been ratified and free agency has officially resumed, the Yankees could be looking to improve their offense quickly.
According to SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino, the Yankees are expected to be aggressive in upgrading their offense.
Martino mentions names like Carlos Correa, Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson, saying that “the heavy expectation is that the Yanks will add hitters that will make their fans happy. And maybe some pitching depth.”
March 10, 4:45 p.m.
The new CBA in place will set off a frenzy of free agent signings, and the Yankees should be at the forefront of it. Who’s on their list? NJ.com’s Brendan Kuty is hearing Freddie Freeman remains on their list and they are expected to engage with him ASAP.
“He’s definitely still on the table,” the source said.
Freeman is fresh off a World Series victory with the Atlanta Braves, but they weren’t able to figure out a new deal before the lockout began. Because of that, the idea of him returning to Atlanta has diminished with teams like the Yankees and Dodgers at the top of the list of those wanting to sign him.
March 9, 12:20 p.m.
The Yankees either requested and/or received medicals for SS Carlos Correa, LHP Carlos Rodon and LHP Yusei Kikuchi prior to the lockout, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
These three players will be sought after as soon as the lockout ends, and while Correa should be known considering the Yanks’ pursuit of a shortstop and Brian Cashman‘s previous comments, seeing that they’re in the starting pitcher market is a good sign. Nothing is solidified behind Gerrit Cole.
March 7, 1:14 p.m.
The Tampa Bay Rays made potential Yankees target Freddie Freeman an offer before the lockout, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Per the report, the Toronto Blue Jays and Los Angeles Dodgers are among other teams who could be a fit for the free agent first baseman.
Player moves (when it comes to any movement on big league rosters) are frozen during the lockout, with there expected to be a frenzy when the lockout ends, potentially leading to a buyer’s market in the days between the end of the lockout and start of what will be an abbreviated spring training.
The Yankees still have multiple holes to fill, with first base potentially among them.
In addition to Freeman, players who could interest the Yanks when the lockout ends include Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson, who could be available via trade.
Feb. 22, 1:55 p.m.
There is a “growing belief” in baseball that Freddie Freeman won’t be re-signing with the Atlanta Braves once MLB’s lockout ends, per ESPN’s Buster Olney.
ESPN reports the Braves offered a five-year pact worth $135 million, but that Freeman wants a six-year deal.
Would the Yanks do that for a 32-year-old who is arguably the best first baseman in baseball?
The Los Angeles Dodgers have long been speculated as contenders for Freeman as well.
Dec. 2, 12:19 p.m.
While Freddie Freeman‘s return to the Atlanta Braves is still viewed by many as likely, it is in greater doubt than it was when the offseason began.
And as Freeman has remained a free agent, the Braves have explored other first base options such as Matt Olson and Anthony Rizzo, reports Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Per Rosenthal, Olson would likely be the Braves’ No. 1 target to replace Freeman.
The Yankees have been in the bidding for Freeman, are a potential trade partner with the Oakland Athletics for Olson, and could possibly re-sign Rizzo.
As far as where Freeman could end up if he leaves Atlanta, Rosenthal suggests that Freeman — a native of California — could be a more “natural” fit with the Los Angeles Dodgers or Angels.
Dec. 1, 9:23 a.m.
Before MLB owners locked out the players early Thursday morning, the Yankees were among the teams in the “bidding” for free agent 1B Freddie Freeman, reports Jon Heyman of MLB Network.
Per Heyman, most people still find it hard to believe that Freeman will leave the Atlanta Braves, with Atlanta perhaps being pushed by Freeman’s camp to increase their offer from five years to six in order to get a deal done.
The Yankees, who tendered a contract to Luke Voit before the non-tender deadline, have a need at first base.
It’s possible New York could re-sign free agent Anthony Rizzo, but any signing (for Rizzo or anyone else) will have to wait until the lockout ends.
The same goes for any potential trade, with Oakland Athletics 1B Matt Olson among the possibilities.
Nov. 30, 9:32 a.m.
With Corey Seager signing a megadeal with the Texas Rangers, SNY’s Andy Martino is hearing the Yankees have been in contact with the Rangers regarding shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
However, Martino added that as of Nov. 29, the trade market seemed to be pretty dead as the baseball world prepares for a lockout.
The 26-year-old Kiner-Falefa has a great defensive track record thus far in just four MLB seasons.
This past year, FanGraphs had him as a plus-10 defensive runs saved player at short, which backed his Gold Glove Award from 2020. In the hitting department, he slashed .271/.312/.357 with 25 doubles, eight homers and 53 RBI over 158 games.
Per Martino, New York has also been interested in Andrelton Simmons.
Nov. 29, 9:22 a.m.
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers are on free agent shortstop Corey Seager “much more so” than the Yankees, reports SNY’s Andy Martino.
Per Martino, the Yankees could have a “stealth” pursuit of Seager going on, but there is no smoke right now revolving around Seager and the Yanks.
Meanwhile, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network, the Yanks are among the teams that have checked in on free agent shortstop Andrelton Simmons.
Nov. 28, 5:18 p.m.
Free agent infielder Marcus Semien has agreed a deal with the Texas Rangers, according to FanSided.com’s Robert Murray.
MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reported that the Yankees showed interest in Semien, but stopped short of the seven-year contract. Semien’s deal with Texas is believed to be worth about $175 million.
Nov. 21, 10:36 p.m.
The Yankees have been connected to Matt Olson this offseason, as the 27-year-old first baseman could be traded by the Oakland A’s. According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, those early trade talks have Oakland “shooting for the moon.”
Rightfully so for a player of Olson’s caliber. He was a 5.8 WAR player after belting 39 homers with 111 RBI and a .911 OPS. He’s got team control for the next two years as well, so the price tag is going to be high.
Of course, these are early discussion and price tags are always going to be the highest for the seller and lowest offers come from the buyers until there’s some common ground. The A’s aren’t going to part ways with Olson that easy.
Nov. 20, 2:47 p.m.
While Justin Verlander seemed like a perfect fit for the Yankees’ rotation, he ultimately decided to return to Houston.
But the Yankees did make an effort to bring him to the Bronx.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees offered the two-time Cy Young winner a one-year, $25 million deal. Verlander instead returned to Houston on a two-year, $50 million deal, which included a player option of $25 million for that second year.
Nov. 18, 10:40 p.m.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman confirmed on Thursday night that he has spoken to the representatives for free agent shortstops Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, and Trevor Story.
“We are definitely casting a wide net and having conversations,” Cashman said. “That means free gents, that means trades, that means looking at what we have internally. So, we’re going to have to come up with a better version than what we ended with. That’s the job.
“We’re trying to assess really what are realistic options are, and so time will tell how that plays out, but I have talked to all of them, yes.”
Nov. 17, 5:37 p.m.
Justin Verlander is staying in Houston, his brother Ben – an MLB analyst on FOX – tweeted Wednesday evening.
The Yankees had shown interest in the two-time Cy Young Award winner who had originally declined Houston’s qualifying offer. Yankee scouts had attended a workout of his recently.
Verlander has not pitched since the 2020 season, where he appeared in just one game before undergoing Tommy John surgery and missing the entire 2021 season in recovery.
Verlander’s deal is for one year worth $25 million, and he has player option for the 2023 season, according to Mark Berman of FOX 26 in Houston.
Jon Heyman notes that Verlander wanted to remain loyal to Astros owner Jim Crane and the organization.
Nov. 17, 5:00 p.m.
Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner was at the owners’ meetings in Chicago on Wednesday, and took time to touch on a variety of topics. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, one of them was Carlos Correa and the chance the Yankees could sign him.
The obvious stigma around Correa comes from his part in the Astros cheating scandal from 2017, but here’s what Steinbrenner had to say on the situation:
“He’s obviously a great talent,” he said. “And, look, I think, hopefully, most people have moved on from that. I mean, I think it’s only healthy to move on from things like that instead of stewing on it year after year. But, you know, people have the opinion that they want to have about that particular player. But, in general, we’re going to look at every single option. It’s the same thing we do every year.”
So this coincides with what GM Brian Cashman and manager Aaron Boone have said on Correa, too, which is that they believe he could be a viable option for their clubhouse.
Nov. 17, 1:56 p.m.
Justin Verlander has been a name connected with the Yankees since they sent a scout to watch his workout in Florida a few weeks back. MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports the interest is still there, but even better, Verlander is “expected to have a decision fairly soon.”
Verlander was one of many that declined the qualifying offer from their respective teams – the Houston Astros in his case. And Heyman believes that “fairly soon” decision could be coming “perhaps even this week.”
Many other teams are in on Verlander, including the Toronto Blue Jays, and Heyman is hearing multi-year and one-year options are on the table. So he’ll have his fair share of choices on where he pitches next.
Nov. 16, 8:11 p.m.
Adding a shortstop is high on the Yankees’ offseason priority list, and they’re reportedly battling with another big-market team to land one of the top available options.
According to MLB Network’s Jon Heyman, the Yankees and Dodgers are both playing for Corey Seager.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan has previously reported that both Seager and Marcus Semien – two of the top shortstops available – could sign quicker than expected due to a possible work stoppage in December.
Nov. 16, 5:15 p.m.
According to YES Network’s Jack Curry, the Yankees have made inquiries about A’s first baseman Matt Olson, but the two sides have not had any ‘detailed conversations about which players would be involved in a potential deal.”
Curry notes that the Yankees are “definitely interested” in Olson, who hit 39 homers with 111 RBI last year with the A’s.
Nov. 15, 1:33 p.m.
The Yankees are in the market for a first baseman, which MLB Network’s Jon Heyman reports has led to them meeting with “all top left-handed-hitting” ones. That includes 2021 World Series champion Freddie Freeman.
Freeman has only known the Braves in his career, and has made it clear that he wants to return to Atlanta.
However, anything is possible in free agency, so it makes sense that the Yanks checked in with one of the best two-way first basemen in MLB.
Nov. 15, 12:45 p.m.
The Yanks have interest in CF Starling Marte, per MLB Network’s Jon Heyman.
Cashman said recently that he is considering options in center field with no guarantees that Aaron Hicks will be set to go in 2022. Marte is the top center fielder on the market, and multiple teams — Houston Astros, Miami Marlins, Mets, and Philadelphia Phillies among them — will be vying for his services.
Marte, 33, had a fantastic 2021 campaign with the Marlins and Oakland A’s, slashing .310/.383/.458 with 12 homers, 27 doubles and 55 RBI, usually in the leadoff hole. He gets on base a bunch and has defensive prowess that hasn’t been hindered by age.
Nov. 12, 11:04 a.m.
Many around the league are worried a work stoppage is coming, which is why some free agents might be willing to sign quicker than expected. Add top free agent shortstops Marcus Semien and Corey Seager to that list, says ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Both of these players will be considered big splashes and it could come before Dec. 1 when the CBA expires.
SNY’s Andy Martino noted earlier that a lockout is likely, as there is a lot of “pessimism” in current labor negotiations. Martino added that when the lockout is over, the Yankees “are going to be big spenders and aggressive buyers on this free agent market this winter.”
We’ll see if that remains the case with these two players specifically.
Nov. 11, 2:29 p.m.
Cashman said that Carlos Correa‘s past with the Houston Astros won’t be an impediment to him signing in New York.
Cashman has spoken with “most, but not all” of the representatives for the top free agent shortstops, including Correa.
Correa was one of the Astros who was singled out during the league’s investigation into their cheating scandal that happened in 2017.