Yankees Listed Among Top Suitors for All-Star Shortstop
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Manager Aaron Boone of the New York Yankees takes batting practice.
The New York Yankees have plenty to discuss this offseason, including their vision for the shortstop position soon.
Anthony Volpe will begin the 2026 season on the injured list after undergoing surgery to repair a partially torn labrum in his left shoulder. He will not swing a bat for several weeks, giving the injury time to heal. If Opening Day were tomorrow, Jose Caballero is the most likely candidate to start at shortstop for the Yankees.
Many fans called for the Yankees to promote their top-rated prospect, George Lombard Jr., to make his Major League debut. That would be a difficult ask for Lombard, who just turned 20 in June and is yet to reach Triple-A.
Yankees Listed as One of the ‘Best Fits’ for Bo Bichette
New York may turn to free agency to find a shortstop. Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette did not reach an extension with the AL East club during the season. He is the best unrestricted free agent available at shortstop in a relatively weak class.
The Athletic’s Jim Bowden believes Bichette, although a shaky defensive player, could play third or second base for whatever team he plays for next. Bowden listed the Yankees as a possibility.
“He’s led the AL in hits twice in the last five years and has a career batting average of .294. He’s a below-average defender at shortstop, however, and several interested teams view him as an option for third base going forward,” wrote Bowden.
“His prime years have just begun and he’s one of the youngest free agents on the market, though he has dealt with several lower-body injuries the past couple of years,” Bowden added. “As long as teams have a clear sense of the health of his knee, Bichette will have plenty of suitors in free agency because he could be considered a fit as a shortstop, a third baseman, or a second baseman.”
By signing Bichette long-term, the Yankees would waive the white flag on Volpe’s future with the club, unless they prefer to keep him as a bench player. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman told reporters at his post-season press conference that Volpe should return to the field in late April or May, at the latest.
How Could Bo Bichette Help the Yankees?
Spotrac projects Bichette’s market value (AAV) to be just over $23 million. Bowden compared Bichette’s potential earnings to Willy Adames, who signed a seven-year, $182 million deal with the San Francisco Giants last winter. The Athletic’s senior writer predicts the impending free agent will sign for the same number of years as Adames, but will earn $7 million more.
For the Yankees, a contract like the one Bowden predicted for Bichette would likely be the biggest one they hand out this offseason.
Immediately, Bichette would become the leading option for the Yankees to bat leadoff. His ability to hit to all parts of the field should be a strength at Yankee Stadium, especially in left-center field. While Trent Grisham had a fantastic year as New York’s leadoff hitter, Bichette is a more well-rounded bat who hit 44 doubles compared to Grisham’s nine.
Travis Kelce Opens Up About His Unbreakable Bond with Taylor Swift: 'Every Moment with You Feels Like a Love Story That Never Ends!'
Travis Kelce, the star tight end for the Kansas City Chiefs, has once again captured the hearts of fans with his heartfelt declaration of love for pop sensation Taylor Swift. In a recent interview, Kelce opened up about his relationship with Swift, sharing just how much she means to him and how their bond has become an unbreakable force in his life. "Every moment with you feels like a chapter in a love story that never ends," he said, speaking with genuine emotion.
This deeply personal statement speaks volumes about the connection the couple shares, one that has continued to evolve in the public eye. Their relationship, which first gained attention earlier this year, has now become one of the most talked-about love stories in both sports and entertainment. Kelce’s words reflect the strength and depth of their relationship, emphasizing that despite the challenges of life in the spotlight, his love for Taylor remains unwavering.
"I can’t imagine life without you by my side," Kelce continued. "Through every touchdown and every challenge, you’ve been the heartbeat of my journey." The sentiment is a clear indication of just how much Swift has supported him, both personally and professionally. As a top-tier athlete constantly in the public eye, Kelce has had his fair share of challenges, but having Swift by his side has undoubtedly been a source of stability and motivation.
Swift, known for her own artistic journey filled with highs and lows, has been a steady presence in Kelce’s life, offering support through the ups and downs of his career. Kelce’s admiration for her is clear, as he continued, "This is our story, and I’m never letting it slip away." His words resonate with fans who have followed the couple’s journey, rooting for them to continue building a future together.
For those who have followed their relationship, it’s evident that Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are more than just a high-profile couple—they are partners in every sense of the word. Their relationship seems to be built on mutual respect, support, and a shared vision for the future. Kelce’s dedication to Swift is clear, and as he continues to shine on the field, it’s clear that his personal life with her is just as important to him.
As they continue their journey together, fans are excited to see what the future holds for this power couple. With their bond growing stronger every day, one thing is for sure: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are writing a love story that will be remembered for years to come.
