The New York Yankees wasted no time adjusting their roster after missing out on Juan Soto. Following Soto’s record-setting deal with the Mets, the Yankees made four significant acquisitions.
They bolstered their rotation by signing left-handed ace Max Fried, forming one of the deepest rotations in MLB. Despite missing out on Roki Sasaki, this move adds significant depth. A trade for elite closer Devin Williams strengthened a bullpen that struggled to finish games last season. With this trade, postseason hero Luke Weaver can return to his fireman role.
Additionally, the Yankees acquired Cody Bellinger in a trade, allowing Aaron Judge to return to his natural right field position. Bellinger, a left-handed hitter, is expected to bat high in the order and provide excellent defense in the outfield. Finally, the Yankees signed 37-year-old Paul Goldschmidt to potentially improve at first base, even with the veteran coming off a career-low season.
Despite these improvements, the Yankees still have significant holes to fill, particularly in the infield and lineup.
Key Needs for the Yankees Moving Forward
Second or Third Base
The Yankees’ most pressing need is in the infield after losing second baseman Gleyber Torres, who left for the Detroit Tigers on a one-year, $15 million deal. The team could shift Jazz Chisholm Jr. back to second base or keep him at third, where he performed well defensively last season. This flexibility gives them the option to target both second and third basemen in free agency.
While Alex Bregman remains a top free-agent target, his right-handed bat may not be the best fit for Yankee Stadium. Other potential options include Jorge Polanco and Brendan Rodgers, though both come with risks. Internal options include DJ LeMahieu, who struggled with injuries last season, and prospects Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza. The Yankees have also reportedly discussed a trade for San Diego Padres infielder Luiz Arráez, who brings a strong bat but limited defensive skills.
Leadoff Hitter
Another area of concern for the Yankees is finding a replacement for Torres as their leadoff hitter. Arráez, with a career .372 on-base percentage, could be an ideal fit. Chisholm and Anthony Volpe are other options, but both have challenges, with Chisholm’s on-base percentage and Volpe’s overall consistency being key concerns. The switch-hitting Jasson Domínguez, while promising, has not yet proven himself at the MLB level.
Left-Handed Reliever
The Yankees are also in need of a left-handed reliever, as they currently have none on their 40-man roster. Tim Hill, who impressed during the Yankees’ World Series run last season, could be a potential reunion target. Other available left-handed options include Andrew Chafin, A.J. Minter, and Brooks Raley, though Raley is recovering from surgery.
Backup Catcher
The Yankees have also left a gap behind the plate. With the trade of Jose Trevino, Austin Wells is set as the primary catcher, but the Yankees need a reliable backup. Candidates include Alex Jackson, who has struggled offensively, and J.C. Escarra, a converted infielder. Ben Rice, a left-handed batter, could also be considered, as he provides depth both behind the plate and at first base.
Additional Organizational Depth
While not addressing immediate needs, the Yankees have added depth by signing Dominic Smith to a minor-league deal. Smith, a former Mets first-round pick, brings experience at first base and left field, though his performance has been inconsistent in recent seasons.
