The New York Yankees Have Remaining Preparations Before Commencing the 2025 Campaign
Following their pennant victory and World Series loss, the New York Yankees have had an eventful offseason thus far. They've added several high-profile players, with none as significant as the one who escaped their grasp. Most of their team-building was completed towards the end of 2024, but 2025 still demands their attention.
Two notable acquisitions and three major trades have significantly altered their roster. The most significant move was signing left-handed pitcher Max Fried to an eight-year $218 million deal, along with agreeing to a one-year, $12.5 million contract with Paul Goldschmidt for the first baseman spot. Via trades, they acquired center fielder Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs and high-strikeout relievers Devin Williams and Fernando Cruz from the Milwaukee Brewers and Cincinnati Reds.
However, the offseason's defining missing link was Juan Soto. Although the New York Mets outbid them for his services, leaving a noticeable void in their lineup, they are left to try and construct a more balanced roster in his absence. To accomplish this, they must address various critical areas.
Position Players
Bellinger's arrival indirectly filled Soto's outfield position, permitting Aaron Judge to resume his natural position in right field. Jasson Dominguez seems poised to take charge in left field. However, the infield presents more uncertainty. Goldschmidt will man first base, and Anthony Volpe will continue at shortstop. Acquired at the trade deadline, Jazz Chisholm has adeptly learned third base, but he is more suited for second base. His versatility provides the option to acquire a starter at either second base or third base. Nevertheless, finding a reliable option is a necessity following Gleyber Torres' signing with the Detroit Tigers.
Their potential options are limited. They do not appear to be involved in the Alex Bregman market, and Nolan Arenado does not plan to waive his no-trade clause. Outside of Bregman, there are few noteworthy free agent infielder options projected for more than 2.0 WAR by Fangraphs - Ha-Seong Kim, who will begin the 2025 season on the injured list following surgery to address a torn labrum. Other options include Paul DeJong, Jose Iglesias, Jorge Polanco, Brendan Rodgers, and Josh Rojas, all of whom are questionable as starters on a playoff-bound team.
Trade possibilities persist. While there has been limited talk about potential infield trade targets, a deal can materialize without prior rumors.
Their internal options are shaky. DJ LeMahieu remains under contract for an additional two years at $15 million annually, but his form was concerning last season with a .204/.269/.259 batting slash and injury issues. Oswaldo Cabrera has yet to prove himself suitable for a larger role in parts of three seasons. Former top prospect Oswald Peraza has stalled in Triple-A, but with no more minor-league options, he will need to stay on the 26-man roster or face waivers.
The Yankees also require a backup catcher behind Austin Wells. They traded Jose Trevino for Cruz and third-string catcher Alex Jackson, whose .132 career batting average in parts of five seasons and unavailability on the 40-man roster make him an unattractive alternative. As things stand, Jackson and veteran minor-leaguer J.C. Escarra will compete for a spot in the spring, but both are left-handed hitters. Their trade of Carlos Narvaez to the Boston Red Sox earlier in the offseason to create a 40-man roster spot may be a decision they would reconsider.
The majority of the catcher free agent market has been exhausted at this point. Some of the better remaining options include Christian Bethancourt, Elias Diáez, Yasmani Grandal, and James McCann. Regrettably, none of them enjoyed productive 2024 campaigns.
Pitching Staff
The Yankees pitching staff shows more certainty than the lineup, but uncertainties remain. Their anticipated starting rotation consists of Gerrit Cole, Fried, Carlos Rodón, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. In the bullpen, high-leverage relievers Clay Holmes and Tommy Kahnle have been replaced by Williams and Cruz. Luke Weaver is expected to resume his role as a multi-inning setup man, while Jake Cousins, Ian Hamilton, and Mark Leiter Jr. will also return.
All of the mentioned relievers are right-handed. Tim Hill and Tim Mayza were the two left-handed relievers at the end of last season, but their futures are uncertain. A trade may be necessary to clear space for their return.
The Yankees also have two veteran pitchers without apparent roles on the team. Marcus Stroman was unsuccessful in his first season of a two-year, $37 million contract, posting a 5.98 ERA and 1.77 WHIP in the second half and did not pitch in the postseason. They also have JT Brubaker, who has been sidelined since 2022 when he was with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but appears healthy ahead of spring training. For him, a minor-league option does not exist, so they must either utilize him on the 26-man roster, trade him, or risk exposure to waivers.
Appears to be a potential trade or two that could relieve their rigid, excessively right-handed surplus of pitchers. Stroman is a definite trade prospect, however, the Yankees would need to persuade someone to take him on, and to accomplish this, they might need to swallow a portion of his contract.
The Yankees have not shown interest in Alex Bregman, making him unavailable as a potential solution for their need at third base. Ha-Seong Kim, a notable free agent infielder, is projected to start the 2025 season on the injured list due to a torn labrum. The Yankees also have a surplus of right-handed pitchers, making a trade for Marcus Stroman, who had a poor second half of his contract, a potential solution to alleviate this excess. Nolan Arenado, another potential third base option, does not intend to waive his no-trade clause.
