The New York Yankees have started to narrow down their choices at first base.
Reports are popping up about the team being most interested in cheaper options such as Paul Goldschmidt and Carlos Santana. However, there may be a method to the madness.
Rucker Haringey of FanSided believes the Yankees are thinking of the future and hoping to land Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in free agency next offseason.
"The most logical explanation for New York's thrifty decision is that they don't want to commit long-term resources to first base before they know where Vladimir Guerrero Jr's future lies," wrote Haringey.
There's no guarantee Guerrero Jr. even reaches free agency. The Yankees may hope he does, but it doesn't mean that is how it will happen. Also, as Haringey mentions, the Blue Jays could be forced to deal him at the deadline.
If an extension doesn't happen and the Blue Jays struggle, Guerrero would be the biggest prize of the trade deadline. Even if the Yankees offered the best return, would the Blue Jays want to trade their star to a division rival they will play 13 times every year?
Haringey isn't necessarily wrong here, and this could be what the Yankees are planning. However, there's a lot of "what ifs" that would need to fall in Brian Cashman's favor.
Don't forget this as well: The Yankees already spent $218 million on Max Fried, acquired Cody Bellinger who is owed $22.5 million and acquired Devin Williams who will be making $8.4 million.
That's almost $250 million for just three players, so it is possible the Yankees have utilized almost all of their offseason budget.
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