MLB Rumors: Yankees Not Expected To Offer Cuban Shortstop Aledmys Diaz Contract; Cardinals, Braves, Giants Remain Interested

Despite holding a private workout for the highly-coveted shortstop, recent reports suggest that the New York Yankees are no longer interested in signing 23-year-old Cuban talent Aledmys Diaz to a contract. The 27-time World Series champions were able to get an up-close and personal look at one of the most talked about players on the market following a private workout and even though Diaz is now able to sign with any Major League Baseball team of his choosing -- after serving a one-year MLB signing suspension for falsifying his age -- New York does not appear to be his next destination.

Diaz hit a crisp .315 with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases in his final season as a member of the Cuban League in 2012 and while his offensive ability certainly stands out, defensive deficiencies continue to follow the rising star. The 23-year-old possesses a strong arm and significant range but his mistakes have been well-documented, with Diaz booting 24 plays in 2009 and another 18 in 2010, but many believe he still holds the ability to play shortstop at the major league level. While multiple clubs including the St. Louis Cardinals, San Francisco Giants and Atlanta Braves continue to scout him vigorously as a shortstop, other teams view Diaz as a second baseman.

Looking forward to finally latching on with an MLB team, Aledmys Diaz understands that he may be forced to move from shortstop to second or third base, depending on the needs of his signing club. Playing both second and third in the past, Diaz’s agent Jaime Torres says his client won’t hold back from inking a contract just because he may not be able to solidify the six-hole. “We know he's going to be in the major leagues,” Torres said recently. “It's only a matter of time. His preference is shortstop, but he's played second and third and I'm sure he would be comfortable playing whatever position is necessary.”

In addition to drawing consideration from the Cardinals, Giants and Braves, Aledmys Diaz is being scouted by the Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies, Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners.