Filling the void

The Yankees’ offseason became more complicated with the loss of Didi Gregorius for at least part of 2019 now that he needs Tommy John surgery on his throwing elbow. Here’s a look at who the Yankees could turn to in Gregorius’ absence: GLEYBER TORRES: GM Brian Cashman said Torres is “clearly the best player for consideration that we have. He can play short, he can play second, so we’ll see.” The Yankees would like to be able to keep Torres at second, but he performed ably — if not great — when asked to fill in for Gregorius this past season. ADEINY HECHAVARRIA: When the Yankees picked up Hechavarria from Pittsburgh late in the season, there wasn’t really a need for him. However, Cashman called Hechavarria “a defensive wizard” and he proved his value by playing shortstop while Gregorius was out with a bruised heel. The Yankees trusted Hechavarria enough to play him at third in playoff games as a late-game replacement for Miguel Andujar. The 29-year-old will be a free agent.

MANNY MACHADO: The Machadoto-The-Bronx storyline already would have been a strong one this offseason even before the Gregorius injury. Machado — along with Bryce Harper — headlines this free agent class, and if he can play shortstop for some or all of 2019, perhaps he would be more willing to sign with the Yankees. For now, he’s trying to get the Dodgers to the World Series. JURICKSON PROFAR: The Yankees have been linked to the Texas infielder before, and perhaps now is when they pounce. Cashman pulled off a three-team trade for Gregorius when Derek Jeter retired, so he’s always willing to look at as many options as possible. The 25-year-old Profar played all four infield positions for the Rangers this season, but more (68) at short than anywhere else.

OTHERS: The Yankees have been linked to other shortstops in the past, including Arizona’s Nick Ahmed, Zack Cozart of the Angels and Detroit’s Jose Iglesias, who will be a free agent.