The New York Yankees are actively exploring the trade market for right-handed hitters as injuries and recent roster challenges reshape their priorities. The team has identified several potential targets, including Lane Thomas, Spencer Steer (contingent on health), Jo Adell, Jorge Polanco, and George Springer, aiming to bolster their offensive lineup amid significant absences.
This shift marks a notable change for the Yankees, who previously focused heavily on shoring up their bullpen, catcher depth, and starting rotation. Though their pitching staff maintains a league-best 3.41 ERA, the offense has suffered since star slugger Aaron Judge was sidelined, with the team scoring over a run less per game in his absence.
One notable absence on their list is Luis Robert Jr., whom the Yankees had considered before re-signing Cody Bellinger in the offseason. Bellinger is currently out for four to six weeks after suffering a Grade 2 hamstring strain, and Robert’s limited availability this year has led the team to move on to other options.
At catcher, the market remains crowded and complicated. Ryan Jeffers, a top-hitting catcher and upcoming free agent with the Minnesota Twins, represents an obvious candidate, but the Twins have not indicated a willingness to trade him. Other teams such as the Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox are also pursuing catching options, constraining the market further.
Several notable catchers are unlikely to be traded in the near term. Colorado Rockies’ All-Star Hunter Goodman is unlikely to be dealt due to having three years of team control remaining, while Oakland Athletics All-Star Shea Langeliers is expected to miss the season after a torn meniscus. Meanwhile, Kansas City Royals veteran Salvy Perez, a probable future Hall of Famer, has reportedly declined to waive his no-trade clause, and Cincinnati Reds’ Tyler Stephenson emerges as one of the few trade possibilities.
On the bullpen front, the Yankees continue to covet Padres closer Mason Miller, who could significantly strengthen an already elite relief corps. Miller, a pending free agent, would complement the Yankees’ need for pitching depth as they also face the potential loss of David Bednar in free agency. However, the Padres, currently 53-53 and facing upcoming matchups with the Rockies and Giants, do not seem poised to enter a sell-off phase. Instead, San Diego may consider moving setup man Adrian Morejon, Jeremiah Estrada, or former Yankee Wandy Peralta.
General manager Brian Cashman, known for his cautious yet shrewd approach to trades, has managed previous significant deals with San Diego, including the acquisition of Juan Soto. While the Yankees’ current need is more pronounced in their offensive lineup rather than their pitching staff, Cashman’s track record suggests any moves will be carefully weighed as the team looks to maintain competitiveness in the stretch run.