The New York Yankees reportedly aren’t expected to “aggressively” pursue veteran shortstop Didi Gregorius this offseason.
Looks like shortstop Didi Gregorius won’t be returning to the Bronx. Earlier this month, the New York Yankees passed up the opportunity to extend a qualifying offer to the veteran. When it comes to the pursuit of re-signing him to a longer deal, the Yanks aren’t exactly rushing to complete that either.
According to Andy Martino of SNY, sources have noted that the Bombers don’t intend to “aggressively” pursue Gregorius. Not extending him would thus confirm that Gregorius will find a new home for the 2020 campaign.
One more Yankee note — we sorta reported this before but industry folks do not expect Yanks to pursue Gregorius very aggressively
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 12, 2019
Gregorius came over to the Yankees in 2015 and essentially filled the void left by the retirement of legendary shortstop Derek Jeter. He took over as the everyday shortstop for Jeter in 2015.
Last winter, Gregorius had Tommy John surgery on his right elbow. Thus, he missed much of the 2019 campaign, only appearing in 82 games.
In those 82 appearances, Gregorius hit 16 home runs with 61 RBIs and a slash line of .238/.276/.441.
The decision to let Gregorius walk has a lot to do with the emergence of Gleyber Torres, who will take over at shortstop full-time. Torres appeared in 77 games (73 starts) at that position last season while Gregorius was injured. He finished the year with 38 home runs, 90 RBIs, and a slash line .278/.337/.535 in 144 total games.
The Yanks are into the offseason having lost in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series. They fell to the Houston Astros, who then went on to lose the World Series to the Washington Nationals in seven games.
