Yankees' Brian Cashman on Free Agency: 'Bottom Line, SS Is an Area of Need'

The New York Yankees are hoping to improve their roster after a disappointing finish to their season, and general manager Brian Cashman already has a specific position on the roster he wants to address.

"Bottom line, shortstop is an area of need," Cashman said Tuesday.

The Yankees moved Gleyber Torres from shortstop to second base after his disappointing performance this season. Third baseman Gio Urshela was shifted to shortstop while DJ LeMahieu and Rougned Odor split time at third. Cashman added that he feels Torres is "best served" at second base.

This could be the perfect time for Cashman to be searching for a shortstop because this year's free-agent class is robust at the position. Carlos Correa, Corey Seager, Javier Baez, Trevor Story and Marcus Semien are all set to hit the open market this offseason. Each of those players is a former All-Star.

Baseball columnist Joel Sherman of the New York Post wrote that he believes Seager would be the best fit for the Yankees to pursue. Seager's lefty bat would help provide balance to a righty-dominant New York lineup.

The Yankees signed Aaron Boone to a new three-year contract Tuesday. New York has made five consecutive postseason appearances but hasn't made it to a World Series since 2009. Cashman, who has been the team's GM since 1998, accepted responsibility for the team's recent lack of success in the playoffs.

"Ultimately, it falls on me," Cashman said. "Obviously if [controlling owner] Hal Steinbrenner or anybody wants to decide to make some changes down the line, that's above me."

Cashman is currently signed to a five-year contract through 2022.