The end of the MLB lockout has officially signaled the return of offseason buzz, with rumors abound regarding trades and free agency. The New York Yankees were one of the quieter teams when it came to pre-lockout transactions, as fans were clamoring for the team to sign one of the marquee free agents available. Anything can happen, though it seems like the Yankees are more inclined to make smaller-scale moves, rather than the big splash that fans want them to make. If New York declines to spend big money on a free agent, that will open up possibilities for the franchise on the trade market. Yankees general manager Brian Cashman certainly has options, with no shortage of capable players potentially available via trade. But who should New York look to acquire? The Yankees have a definite hole at shortstop, which, if they don't address via free agency, may need to look into potential trades. New York could also use an extra outfielder for depth, as well as a first baseman. That said, here are three trades the Yankees must make before the start of the 2022 MLB regular season.

3 Trades Yankees Must Make

3. Adalberto Mondesi 

The Yankees have a big need at shortstop. While not completely out of the question, it seems unlikely that New York will make a big splash for star free agent Carlos Correa, whose potential contract could be one of the biggest issued to any of the available targets on the market. If priced out of the market for Correa- and potentially Trevor Story- the Yankees should not sign a veteran stopgap. Rather, they should look to the trade market, where a perfectly capable shortstop can be had for the right package. Kansas City Royals shortstop Adalberto Mondesi. Mondesi is an injury risk, having dealt with shoulder and core injuries in the last couple of seasons. However, the Royals shortstop has flashed ability as hitter for average and just so happens to be the best base stealer in the majors, having swiped as many as 43 bases in a single season. The Yankees could use speed in their lineup. He's also a good defender, which would help solidify New York's middle infield defense next to Gleyber Torres, who will slide over to second base. Mondesi makes sense as a trade target for New York.

2. Tyler Mahle

The Cincinnati Reds have been rumored to be interested in potential trades for their starting pitchers, with ace Luis Castillo generating the most interest. Even though Castillo is coming off of a poor season, he is a proven strikeout artist and one of the better pitchers in the National League- he won't come cheap in a trade. However, the Yankees could pivot to secondary Reds starter Tyler Mahle, who is a very capable middle of the rotation pitcher who is also under team control through 2024. Mahle, 27, pitched to a 3.75 ERA in 180 innings, striking out a career-high 210 batters. The right-hander relies on a fastball, slider and split-fingered fastball, with each pitch proving capable of generating strikeouts. Mahle would give the Yankees a capable starter behind Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery.

1. Matt Olson

Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson has been linked to the Yankees, who have inquired about the slugger. While recent rumors have suggested that New York may not be able to meet Oakland's asking price, it would make too much sense for the club to bring Olson in one way or another. The 27-year-old made the All-Star team for the first time this past season, slugging 39 homers with a .911 OPS while playing excellent defense at first base. It makes sense that the A's won't give him away for pennies. However, the Yankees must do everything they can to acquire Olson, whose pull-heavy approach would make him a dream hitter in the Bronx.