The New York Yankees had stated that shortstop would be a priority this offseason. To prove that point, they announced that Gleyber Torres would be moved to second base, opening the position for a better option. With the impressive free agent shortstop class, it seemed as though they would be able to drastically upgrade their roster.
Instead, the Yankees are “monitoring” the position and are not planning on spending at the top of the market. This likely means that they will look to sign a budget shortstop or attempt to find one in the trade market. That quest may now lead to Pirates shortstop Kevin Newman.
Kevin Newman – the New York Yankees shortstop?
If that is the case, this offseason may register as even more of a disappointment than it already has. The Yankees had given every indication that they would make major moves as they had reset their luxury tax penalty, and instead, have generated more attention for designating Clint Frazier for assignment than for any additions to the roster.
That is not a knock against Newman. He has developed into a solid defensive shortstop, saving seven runs last season while leading the National League in fielding percentage. However, he has not exactly been a threat with the bat, producing a .226/.268/.302 batting line with six homers and 27 doubles over the past two years. He is essentially the shortstop version of Ender Inciarte, who the Yankees signed to a minor league deal recently.
On the positive side, it may not cost much to get Newman from the Pirates. They are looking to add more talent to their system, and if their shortstop can bring back a boom or bust type of prospect, then it is worth making the deal for Pittsburgh. Chances are, the Yankees would not miss that type of player.
The problem is that Newman does not show that the Yankees are serious about winning. They have not won a championship since 2009, one of the longest droughts since the start of the franchise. It is fair to wonder if they are even the third best team in the division at this point, given the presence of the Red Sox, Rays, and Blue Jays. Newman would just be another disappointing move in an offseason that has not lived up to expectations.
Kevin Newman is a solid defensive shortstop. However, he is not the answer the New York Yankees need at the position.