Yankees Eyeing Major Moves for a Superstar Shortstop and Pitching Reinforcements
The New York Yankees are emerging as a potential destination for one of MLB’s brightest young stars, Bobby Witt Jr., while also exploring pitching options to fill gaps left by injuries.
Yankees Linked to Bobby Witt Jr. After Potential Opt-Out
Bobby Witt Jr. has been a standout player since debuting with the Kansas City Royals, securing an 11-year, $288.8 million contract before the 2024 season. However, the deal includes an opt-out clause after the 2030 season, which could lead to him testing free agency for a bigger payday.
Colin Keane of Sports Illustrated believes Witt could leave the Royals if the team struggles to remain competitive. “Will the Royals be interested in re-working a contract to keep Witt Jr. in-house? Of course. But a team like the Yankees will likely bring out the Brinks truck for Witt Jr., especially as New York has been starved for a superstar shortstop since the days of Derek Jeter,” Keane wrote.
While the Yankees have found some stability at shortstop with Gold Glove winner Anthony Volpe, acquiring Witt would give them flexibility. He could play third base, or the team could shift Volpe to second base, forming an elite defensive middle infield duo.
Keane emphasized Witt’s long-term value, writing, “Witt Jr. is one of the game’s five best players and should be compensated as such. By 2031, there’s no reason to believe that Witt Jr. won’t still be a top-five asset, barring injury, which means it will be essential for him to opt out of his current deal and re-negotiate a much larger one. … Kansas City fans should appreciate every game Witt Jr. plays in a Royals uniform because there will come a time when suitors like the Yankees will make offers impossible to refuse.”
Yankees Exploring Trade for $15 Million Pitcher Amid Rotation Injuries
The Yankees’ pursuit of Witt Jr. comes amid a critical need to strengthen their pitching rotation after major injuries to key starters. Gerrit Cole will miss the entire 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery, while reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is also sidelined.
With these setbacks, MLB insider Mike Axisa of CBS Sports has linked the Yankees to a potential trade for St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Erick Fedde. “Fedde could be the best non-Alcantara starter traded this summer,” Axisa noted. “He’s a very affordable rental ($7.5 million salary) who showed last year that his success in Korea was no fluke.”
Fedde, in the final year of a two-year, $15 million deal, posted a 9-9 record with a 3.30 ERA in 31 starts last season. His addition would immediately provide much-needed depth to the Yankees’ rotation.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman acknowledged the team’s need for pitching but suggested trades might not happen until closer to the deadline. “We’ll just evaluate what’s available, and this time of year, very little is available,” Cashman said. “Normally, the more significant opportunities don’t exist until the Trade Deadline.”
Decision Looming for Yankees’ Fifth Starter
While trade talks continue, the Yankees must also decide on their fifth starter. The competition appears to be between Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco, with Carrasco on a minor-league deal that includes a March 22 opt-out clause.
Carrasco has performed well in spring training, posting a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings. The veteran pitcher, who won AL Comeback Player of the Year in 2019, brings experience to the table, but the Yankees must decide if he fits into their long-term plans.
With opening day against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27, the Yankees have key decisions to make. Whether they pursue Witt Jr. in the long run or secure pitching help immediately, the next few seasons could bring significant changes to the Bronx Bombers’ roster.
