If the Yanks were to target Bryant, it would probably mean Story and Correa are off the board. But the fit could work fundamentally when you view it this way: Bryant is the mainstay at third base, a stopgap is signed for cheap to play a defense-first shortstop (hello Andrelton Simmons) and Gleyber Torres holds his normal second base post.

What about Gio Urshela? Well it's always been an offseason storyline for New York after Cashman's shortstop comments along with looking at first base options. It's a crowded infield now, which means trades are going to be explored, making Urshela a top target to go somewhere. Even Torres isn't safe at second with DJ LeMahieu signing his extension last year and needing a place if first is occupied.

Urshela is defensively sound at third and has proven his worth for sure, but Bryant is the clear favorite if he were to come on board. Could Urshela shift to shortstop like he did when the Torres 2021 experiment happened? He posted a minus-one defensive runs saved in 200 innings when he was moved -- not terrible but the Yanks are looking for a bit more in that department.

So the fit for Bryant overall can work -- it's just a slightly different flip than what was expected. The Yanks would still get a high impact bat they can control for years to come to go along with their other sluggers, while having a versatile player that can even play first if needed.

We won't know for sure what the Yankees have on their mind, but Bryant shouldn't be written off.

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