With the off-season stalling because of the lockout, baseball fans have been denied a protracted transfer saga. But it seems as though the story may have a few changes before it even begins. With Carlos Correa on the market, the Chicago Cubs and the New York Yankees were expected to lead the charge in signing the shortstop. However, new reports state, the Yankees may not be looking at Correa anymore.

The Houston Astros shortstop is clearly an in-demand signing for franchises across the league and rightly so. Having turned in strong defensive showings in 2021, Correa was no pushover with the bat in hand either. He hit 26 home runs and notched up an impressive 92 RBIs in a season where the Astros made it to the world series. But his performance ironically may be what keeps him from signing on with the Yankees.

Why the New York Yankees may not sign Carlos Correa?

SNY’s Andy Martino, recently answered a question on Twitter, dealing with why he thinks the move is unlikely. Evidently, Martino feels that a trade with the Oakland is more likely than the Yankees signing Carlos Correa.

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“The only way I imagine them doing the latter is if Correa’s market sinks to the $200 million range or lower,” said Martino. That range of contract price would push several teams into contention. The Astros could even make a play to re-sign Correa at that stage.

However, it is unlikely that Correa will agree to terms lower than those that Seager has recently made, with $300 million and a 10-year deal being the key figures being mentioned in the media. The Cubs seem to be sold on the shortstop; save for the term of the contract. They are looking for a 7-year deal as opposed to a 10-year deal that Correa is looking for.

Read More: New York Yankees Close in on Yet Another Top International Shortstop Prospect as Carlos Correa Deal Stalls

What could the New York Yankees do instead?

Martino suggested a couple of hypotheticals that could work out for the Bronx. The first deals with simply letting go of the Correa transfer and making a more likely deal with the Oakland Athletics.

The Yankees may look to bolster their offense too. Seeing as a superstar shortstop may not be possible this off-season, the Yankees could look elsewhere. The Yankees reportedly could be looking at signings for first base. A possible move trading for Matt Olson could be in consideration at the Bronx.

Another option for reinforcing first base could also be to go for 2021 NL MVP, Freddie Freeman. Freeman too is a free agent this off-season. However, considering his connection with the Atlanta Braves, this one seems less likely.

This would leave shortstop for more unorthodox signings, such as perhaps Andrelton Simmons or Elvis Andrus. Granted, this would take away from the star power, but the defensive metrics cannot be denied.

Another option could also be to look to sign Matt Chapman from the Oakland Athletics. Deploying Chapman at shortstop instead of third base is fairly possible; At least until some of their farm prospects like Volpe or Perez develop and are ready to deliver in the big leagues.

A lot of the transfer decisions remain nebulous, thanks to the lockout, but more possibilities only mean more discussion. And while Correa would be a signing in line with the Yankees general ethos, maybe it’s not to be this season.