Behind the scenes: MLB off-season training during lockoutAthletic trainers attempt to find balance between training and rest for baseball players as MLB and MLBPA continue negotiations.Courtesy Lauren Withrow, Partner ContentNEW YORK – After a 99-day Major League lockout, it is time for agents and general managers to fire up their cell phones.Players and owners came to agreement Thursday afternoon on a new CBA. And now that labor peace has been achieved, we have arrived at another frenzied bargaining period.Welcome to the zany bazaar of free- agent negotiations and trade proposals leading up to Opening Day, a short runway to fill some key roster needs for several clubs.Especially the New York Yankees.Having largely sat on the sidelines prior to the Dec. 2 lockout, the Yankees have several major moves to make – a collection of decisions that will impact their roster for 2022 and beyond.What to do at shortstopWay back in October, Yankees GM Brian Cashman said he was “open to anything and everything’’ that would improve a club that made a postseason cameo and was eliminated in the AL Wild Card game.Finding a solution at shortstop was atop the GM’s priority list, but the Yankees were idle as Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Javy Baez went off the free-agent board.Were the Yankees waiting to see how the new CBA might impact spending in this area?More likely, their already bloated payroll – and an exciting pool of prospects, led by Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza – led them to pass on an historic class of free agent shortstops.So, unless the price comes way down for Carlos Correa and Trevor Story, the Yanks could opt for a stopgap solution via trade (Arizona’s Nick Ahmed, Cleveland’s Amed Rosario and Texas’ Isiah Kiner-Falefa are potential targets) or free agency (Jose Iglesias, Andrelton Simmons).Finalizing first baseFigure the Yankees already know what prospect package they’re willing to offer Oakland in a trade for lefty-hitting Matt Olson, whose power bat and Gold Glove pedigree would be a great fit.Freddie Freeman still seems like a long-shot target, though he’ll be tied to Yankees’ interest as long as he lingers in free agency and first base remains unsettled at the Stadium.Anthony Rizzo would be welcomed to return to the Bronx, but possibly only on a three-year max deal.The goal is to secure a premium lefty bat and a solid defender at an important offensive position, which makes Luke Voit – the Yanks’ right-handed hitting incumbent – a prime trade candidate.NEXT DJ LEMAHIEU?: How Yankees prospect Trey Sweeney is drawing big comparisonsAdding a starting pitcherDespite the Yankees’ depth of starting pitching, they could use a rotation upgrade – specifically a new wingman for Gerrit Cole.Yes, Luis Severino could fit that bill, but his long injury history has the Yankees seeking other No. 2-type starters (they whiffed on Justin Verlander, who re-signed with the Astros).Lefty Carlos Rodon is an intriguing free agent, though his history of shoulder woes must be considered.Cincinnati’s Luis Castillo, or any of Oakland’s trio of Chris Bassitt, Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas could be on the move, and the Yankees are likely to be involved in such discussions.PITCHING PROSPECTS: Hayden Wesneski and Ken Waldichuk making big stridesDealing with Aaron JudgeExactly what is the window to get Aaron Judge locked into a long-term extension?There’s not much time to hammer out a deal before Opening Day, considering that it could wind up in the $275 million neighborhood.Judge is entering his free-agent walk year, and another healthy and productive season would only increase his price tag this November, if the Yanks fail to strike a deal soon.There are risks on both sides, but Judge’s value on the field and as a clubhouse leader, and the benefit of the Yankee brand, offers hope for an agreement sooner or later.Looking at left fieldOnce more Brett Gardner is a free agent, but the 38-year-old has always found his way back to the Bronx.He could return, given the Yanks’ open questions in the outfield.Yes, switch-hitting Aaron Hicks is set to be the Opening Day center fielder, but his lengthy injury history requires a backup plan – perhaps one deeper than Ender Inciarte, who signed a minor league deal.Estevan Florial’s credentials as a viable center-field option are still up for debate, and the Yanks might explore other options despite their greater needs at other positions.Pete Caldera is the Yankees beat writer for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to all Yankees analysis, news, trades and more, please subscribe today and download our app.Email: [email protected] Twitter: @pcaldera
