Brian Cashman, New York Yankees (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The New York Yankees fell short of expectations last season, and in response must make several changes to the roster at hand.
Free agent signings are obvious, of which there will be plenty by general manager Brian Cashman. Should they sign Carlos Correa, or Corey Seager at shortstop? What of Justin Verlander, or another veteran starting pitcher to fill out the rotation?
Beyond free agency, however, you can bet Cashman will be on the phone at the Winter Meetings and more trying to make a trade to upgrade the current crop of major-league talent.
New York opted to keep Aaron Boone around despite failing to reach the World Series yet again in the American League. Watching the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox — two of their biggest rivals — play for the pennant had to make Cashman and Co. extra salty.
So, what should they do about it? Let’s try these trades on for size.
Yankees should trade for Matt Olson
The Oakland Athletics’ midseason collapse could come with it some timely offseason trades, including that of Olson, their first baseman. The A’s just let manager Bob Melvin walk to San Diego without much of a backup plan. Matt Chapman and Chris Bassitt are also potentially up for grabs.
So, why Olson?
Well, the Yankees need a plan at first base. Luke Voit is a decent option when healthy, and so was Anthony Rizzo when he was still technically a member of New York’s active roster. Olson will not be a cheap. The A’s have a history of trading players as they become more expensive due to arbitration, and Olson is a classic example of that.
The 2021 All-Star slashed .271/.371/.540 last season, and has won two Gold Gloves at the position. He’s a very real upgrade for a Yankees team that needs many of them to reach their ultimate goal.