Yankees linked to free agent shortstop as possible 3rd base solution

When Brian Cashman spoke about the Yankees’ situation at third base during the general manager meetings earlier this month, he alluded to a few different possibilities at the position for next season.
The Yankees could stick with Jazz Chisholm Jr., who made the transition to third after he was imported in a trade deadline deal with the Marlins this summer.
Alternatively, the Yankees could move Chisholm back over to second, filling in as Gleyber Torres departs in free agency. Chisholm came up with the Marlins as a middle infielder and while he’s willing to play anywhere, showing potential at the hot corner, he’d likely be at his best defensively at second.
That would allow the Yankees to either acquire a third baseman from outside the organization — via free agency or trade — or promote from within. Cashman name-dropped surging prospect Caleb Durbin a few times at the GM meetings. He also said he’s hopeful that veteran DJ LeMahieu — who is under contract for two more years at $15 million per season — can contribute at some point.
What if the solution at third was a player who has never played the position before, though?
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Willy Adames is a shortstop reportedly willing to swap positions as he enters free agency. As Jeff Passan of ESPN noted this week, that development ties him to the Yankees and Mets.
Adames is coming off a tremendous year with the Brewers. The 28-year-old slashed .251/.331/.462 while setting career-highs in games played (161), home runs (32), runs (93), RBI (112) and stolen bases (21).
Yankees fans will remember Adames from his first few seasons in the big leagues with the Rays. He’s played more games against the Yankees than any team in his career and has a track record of raking against them, batting .307 with a .941 OPS in 29 games at Yankee Stadium.
Adames is also an elite defender with a strong arm, making a possible transition to third more feasible.
Of course, Adames wouldn’t be the cheapest option at third for the Yankees. That might be an issue for the Yankees if they’re planning to sign Juan Soto while also addressing other holes and weaknesses within their roster, like first base and their bullpen.
Adames is expected to sign a nine-figure deal this winter. MLB Trade Rumors predicted the shortstop will sign for six years at $160 million. If other teams desperate for a franchise shortstop are in on Adames, and high-spending clubs like the Mets see him as a fit at the hot corner, his price could rise even higher. Third baseman Alex Bregman is also available in free agency this winter, a proven commodity at third.
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Max Goodman may be reached at [email protected].