Note: This is a three-part article series.
The New York Yankees again find themselves in a competitive race and looking for reinforcements ahead of the MLB trade deadline. The roster has clear needs – from bolstering the bullpen to upgrading the infield, adding rotation depth, improving bench versatility, and even considering bold, long-term additions. Below we analyze why the Yankees should pursue specific players in each category, supported by 2025 performance metrics and context. We’ll also discuss each player’s fit on the Yankees roster, contract status (and trade feasibility), and how they address the Yankees’ positional needs and depth chart concerns.
Bullpen Reinforcements: Power Arms for the Late Innings
The Yankees’ bullpen has been a strength in recent years, but 2025 has exposed some cracks. Adding a high-leverage reliever or two would help shorten games and protect leads down the stretch. One prime target is Washington Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan, who has reinvented himself at age 33. Finnegan led the NL with 15 saves, sporting a 2.55 ERA (with an impressive 2.34 FIP) as of late May. He’s been even better since then, now holding an 18-save total with an even lower ERA. Finnegan’s success looks sustainable – he’s limiting hard contact (average exit velocity down to 88.6 mph from 91.3 last year) and hasn’t allowed a home run all season. His strikeout rate (around 8.0 K/9) isn’t elite, but he’s compensating with weak contact and savvy command. As a rental on a one-year deal, Finnegan should be eminently available from Washington’s last-place club. He could slot in as a setup man, giving New York another battle-tested reliever for high-pressure postseason situations.
Another appealing bullpen arm is David Bednar of the Pirates. Bednar, a 2022 All-Star, has bounced back from a rough 2024 (5.77 ERA) and regained dominant form in 2025. He owns a 3.57 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 22.2 innings, and his underlying numbers are stellar. They include a 2.11 FIP and 0.7 WAR already. In fact, Bednar’s strikeout rate (13.1 K/9) and low WHIP (1.15) indicate he’s been much better than his ERA shows. A few early losses inflated his ERA, but since a brief minor-league reset in April, he’s been “lights out” with a 2.49 ERA and 30:3 K:BB in his last 21.2 innings. Under team control through 2026, Bednar would cost more in prospects than a pure rental, but Pittsburgh appears willing to anyone not named Paul Skenes. For the Yankees, Bednar could be a late-inning weapon and a potential closer beyond 2025, making him worth the higher ask.
The Yankees can also look to the struggling Baltimore Orioles for relief help. Baltimore’s season has unexpectedly cratered (last in the AL East), so they’re likely to sell. Two intriguing Orioles relievers are Seranthony Domínguez and Andrew Kittredge. Domínguez, a 28-year-old righty, brings high-90s heat and a wipeout slider that would play in late innings. His 2025 numbers (4.21 ERA, 11.2 K/9, 1.29 WHIP in 27 games) are solid but unspectacular, but he has a track record of missing bats and closing games. Domínguez’s 3.86 FIP suggests he’s pitched better than his ERA, and he has experience in pennant races from his Phillies days. He did have some homer issues in 2024, but the Yankees might bet on Matt Blake to unlock his dominant 2022 form.
Kittredge is a bit of a wild card as the 35-year-old was an All-Star closer for Tampa in 2021 (1.88 ERA) before undergoing Tommy John surgery. He signed a 1-year, $10 million deal with Baltimore in the offseason that includes a $9 million club option for 2026. One has to also factor in the fact that he only recently returned from a March knee procedure. In a very small sample, Kittredge has a 1.35 ERA over 6⅔ innings so far. He’s looked healthy and even notched a save. With his extreme slider usage and groundball tendencies, Kittredge could give New York a crafty veteran option reminiscent of Zack Britton’s role in past seasons. The Orioles would likely trade him for a modest return given his age and contract, and the Yankees know Kittredge well from his Rays years. If his stuff is back, he’d bolster the middle relief corps and provide postseason experience.
Why these bullpen moves make sense: Adding arms like Finnegan or Bednar would ease the load and create a shutdown, multi-layered bullpen akin to the Yankees’ late-2010s units. It also guards against regression or injuries. With a team ERA over 4.00 in high-leverage spots this year, an infusion of proven relievers could be the difference in tight playoff games. Financially, the Yankees can afford rentals (Finnegan, Domínguez, Kittredge) and even Bednar’s arbitration salaries. The cost in prospects for a rental reliever is usually reasonable, and the Yankees have the mid-level prospects to get one or two deals done. In short, fortifying the bullpen is low-risk, high-reward for a contender. All of these targets bring something the Yankee pen could use such as swing-and-miss stuff, closing experience, or a different look to throw at opponents.
Third Base Upgrade: Solidifying the Hot Corner
The Yankees’ situation at third base has been a revolving door in 2025, with questions around production and defense. Since third baseman Josh Donaldson departed after 2023, the combination of DJ LeMahieu (now 36) and younger players like Oswaldo Cabrera/Oswald Peraza has yielded subpar offense. The club could use a steady everyday third baseman who brings both glove and bat, and two names stand out: Ryan McMahon of the Rockies and Ke’Bryan Hayes of the Pirates.
Ryan McMahon, 30, is a left-handed slugger who also happens to be one of the better defensive third basemen in baseball. In 2025, McMahon is hitting .216 with a .332 OBP and .706 OPS. Those numbers are a bit down from his career .743 OPS, but importantly he’s still providing value as he has chipped in 8 home runs and 1.5 WAR by mid-June, largely thanks to his glove. Coors Field hasn’t inflated his stats much this year, and one could argue a move to Yankee Stadium (with its short right field) might actually boost his power output. McMahon’s plate discipline has improved – a .332 OBP despite a .216 average shows he’s drawing walks at a healthy rate. Defensively, he’s elite: he led NL third basemen in Defensive Runs Saved previously, and even if his bat is just average, his defense (second among 3B in defensive WAR in 2024) can save runs for the Yankees. Contract-wise, McMahon is signed through 2027 (6-year, $70M deal) at roughly $12 million per year. Colorado is currently 10-50, on pace for the worst season in baseball history so maybe they will change their tune from last season and deal him for prospects. McMahon would stabilize third base for years, give the lineup a lefty power presence to balance Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton, and bring a championship-caliber glove to the hot corner.
Ke’Bryan Hayes, 28, is another compelling option. Hayes is an elite defender, he actually won the NL Gold Glove at third base in 2023, ending Nolan Arenado’s streak. With incredible range and a cannon of an arm, Hayes would instantly upgrade New York’s infield defense (imagine him and Anthony Volpe vacuuming the left side). The concern is Hayes’ offense: in 2025 he’s hitting just .232 with 2 home runs and a .580 OPS. That’s a 47 OPS+ (about 53% below league average), reflecting real struggles at the plate. However, Hayes has shown flashes of potential. He had a big second half in 2023 with improved power, and he consistently hits a lot of doubles. His career OPS is .700+, so the talent is there, and sometimes a change of scenery or new hitting coach can unlock more. One encouraging sign: even with the poor hitting, some sources credit Hayes with around 1.5 WAR this season, indicating his defense (and baserunning) are adding significant value. Hayes is under a very team-friendly contract (8 years, $70M signed in 2022, with about $36M remaining after this season). The Pirates, while rebuilding, might be open to moving him given the right package. For the Yankees, Hayes would be a long-term solution at third. His contract is affordable for a big-market team, and even if he’s a bottom-of-the-order hitter, his glove (and 15–20 steal speed) make him valuable. The idea of pairing Volpe and Hayes, two young, quick, defensively gifted infielders is tantalizing for run prevention. If the Yankees believe in their hitting development staff, they might also think they can help Hayes regain the offensive promise he showed as a rookie (when he put up a 138 OPS+ in a brief 2020 debut).
Either McMahon or Hayes would represent a major upgrade over the Yankees’ current third base production (which has been sub-replacement level offensively). McMahon likely offers a bit more power and is in his prime, whereas Hayes offers premier defense and upside if his bat comes around. The Yankees have some young pitching that could entice Colorado or Pittsburgh in a deal. From a contract standpoint, taking on McMahon’s remaining ~$40M or Hayes’ ~$36M is no issue for New York’s budget.
Crucially, the Yankees need stability at third. In a playoff series, you want confidence in the guy at the hot corner both fielding tough grounders and not being an automatic out. These two targets bring that confidence. McMahon could also play some second base (allowing flexibility if Jazz Chishom Jr. gets injured), and Hayes could even slide to second or short in a pinch given his athleticism. Their presence would also free DJ LeMahieu to return to a super-utility role where he might thrive with more rest. An upgrade at third base could solidify the infield and deepen the lineup, thus making it a top priority for the Yankees’ front office.
Starting Rotation Boost: Arms to Weather Injuries
Starting pitching is another area the Yankees are eyeing, especially with injuries hitting the staff. Adding a reliable starter would both stabilize the rotation and reduce strain on the bullpen. Two names on the Yankees’ radar are Sandy Alcántara and Andrew Heaney, albeit for very different reasons.
Sandy Alcántara is a bold target: the 2022 NL Cy Young winner has had a tumultuous return from Tommy John surgery. He missed all of 2024 rehabbing, and in 2025 his performance has been extremely poor by his standards, posting an 8.47 ERA through his first 11 starts, worst among qualified MLB pitchers. The Marlins were expecting to shop him as a top-of-market ace, but his struggles threw a wrench in that plan. However, in his last two outings, Alcántara showed signs of his old self: he went 6 innings in each, allowing a total of 2 runs, including a six-inning shutout performance with 6 strikeouts and only 3 hits. This mini-resurgence brought his ERA down to 7.14. Scouts say the stuff is still there showcasing upper-90s sinkers, and a disappearing changeup but his command and consistency have wavered as he shakes off rust (his walk rate is nearly double his career norm, and K rate near a career low). The question for New York is whether to buy low on a potential ace. Alcántara is under team control through 2027 on a very reasonable contract (about $11M AAV, thanks to a team-friendly extension). The Marlins may choose to hold him until he rebuilds value, but reports suggest Miami is now more amenable to fielding offers since his recent improvement means they could justify a solid return. For the Yankees, acquiring Alcántara would be as much a move for the future as 2026, he could pair with Cole, Fried, and Rodón in the rotation for the next two or three years. Of course, it’s a gamble: you’d be banking on your coaches to “fix” him and on Alcántara fully regaining ace form by playoff time or in 2026. The cost in prospects would still be significant (given the contract and pedigree), but perhaps slightly less than it would have been if he were pitching to a 3.00 ERA. It’s a high-risk, high-reward target but, all told, the kind Brian Cashman might consider if the price is right, because a healthy and “fixed” Alcántara is the game-changing addition that could win the Yankees a World Series title or two.
On the other end of the spectrum is Andrew Heaney, a more modest target who nonetheless could be quite valuable. Heaney, 33, actually had a forgettable stint with the Yankees in 2021 (a 7.32 ERA after a midseason trade) which fans haven’t forgotten. But since then, he’s reinvented himself to some degree. First with the Dodgers in 2022. then with the Rangers, and now with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2025. On a one-year, $5.25M deal with Pittsburgh, Heaney has been a solid mid-rotation performer: in 11 starts he’s 3-4 with a 3.41 ERA, which is actually better than his career 4.40 ERA. He came out of the gate red-hot (a 1.72 ERA in his first five starts) before regressing closer to his norms. A crafty lefty who strikes out batters at a decent clip (though his K rate has dropped by ~2 K/9 from last year, a point of caution) can be a nice change-of-pace a la Ryan Yarborough. Heaney’s arsenal: a riding four-seam fastball up in the zone and a sweeping slider, is the type that could play well for a few innings in Yankee Stadium if kept away from the short porch. He’s a backend starter or swingman, but as the saying goes, “you can never have too much pitching.” Acquiring Heaney would be relatively cheap in trade capital; Pittsburgh is out of contention and is expected to sell veterans like Heaney and even Isiah Kiner-Falefa, another former Yankee. Heaney’s familiarity with New York could be a double-edged sword (he struggled under the bright lights before), but he’s a more polished pitcher now, and as a rental, there’s no long-term commitment. In a postseason series, Heaney could also be a valuable multi-inning reliever if the rotation is fully healthy – the way the Yankees used Jaime García in 2017, for example.
Both Alcántara and Heaney address the Yankees’ need for more reliable innings. Fried and Rodón have been shouldering the load but bringing in another starter is almost imperative. Alcántara is a swing for the fences, potentially acquiring an ace in distress, whereas Heaney is a safer, low-cost depth move. The Yankees could pursue both routes simultaneously, perhaps acquiring a steady arm like Heaney to stabilize things, while also being in on Alcántara if the Marlins truly entertain offers. Contractually, Alcántara’s deal is a bargain if he rebounds (about $35M through 2026, plus a 2027 option), and Heaney is just a rental. The Yankees’ farm system is middle-of-the-pack, but they do have some upper-level pitching prospects and young position players that could be used to acquire these arms. By October, if everyone is healthy, a rotation of Fried, Rodón, Alcántara and Clarke Schmidt looks far more formidable than the current configuration. Even just adding Heaney could give the Yankees breathing room to rest guys or use a sixth starter to manage workloads in August.
In summary, fortifying the rotation will help ensure the Yankees don’t run out of pitching come playoff time. It’s an area where one addition can have a cascading positive effect on the entire staff.
Bench and Utility Depth: Versatility, Speed, and Contact Hitting
Championship teams often have strong benches. Players who can come in to pinch-run, provide defensive upgrades, or start occasionally without much drop-off. The Yankees’ bench in 2025 could use a jolt. A few utility/bench options who make sense are Jorge Mateo, Michael A. Taylor, Amed Rosario, Thairo Estrada, and Keston Hiura. Each offers a different skill that the Yankees currently lack.
Jorge Mateo might be the most logical fit. He actually came up in the Yankees system as a touted prospect years ago, known for his blazing speed, and is now with Baltimore. Mateo’s 2025 has been rough offensively. He’s hitting just .180 with a .509 OPS, which is obviously poor. However, he has game-changing speed, evidenced by 14 stolen bases in only 25 games played this year. Mateo’s role with the Orioles diminished once Gunnar Henderson and others took over the infield, so he’s been mostly a bench piece there. On the Yankees, he could serve as a designated pinch-runner and could fill in if need be at shortstop, second base, or center field. Think of the role Terrance Gore or Dave Roberts played in past postseasons. Mateo could be that weapon. Importantly, Mateo is familiar with New York and infield coordinator Travis Chapman even though he never reached the majors with the Yankees. He’s in his arbitration years (free agent after 2026), but likely won’t be expensive to acquire given his offensive struggles. Baltimore would probably be fine moving him, especially to clear a spot for younger players. For the Yankees, having Mateo on the bench for a playoff run where one stolen base could swing a game, this shrewd move could prove to be very valuable. And at still just 30, there’s an outside chance a return to the Yankee organization could spark him to hit a bit better (he did hit 13 HR with 35 SB in 2022, so he’s not incapable with the bat). At minimum, speed never slumps, and the Yankees currently are middle of the pack in steals and Mateo changes that instantly.
Another speedy defender to consider is Michael A. Taylor. Taylor, 34, is currently with the Chicago White Sox after winning a Gold Glove in center field for the Twins in 2023. He’s hitting .211 with a .652 OPS in 2025, so like Mateo, he’s mostly a glove-first player. But what a glove it is. Taylor might still be the best defensive center fielder in baseball. The Yankees’ outfield defense could use reinforcement: Juan Soto left in free agency, and while rookie Jasson Dominguez has shown promise, having another veteran who can patrol left field late in games would be reassuring. Taylor also has pop (he hit 17 homers in 2023) and can steal a handful of bases. He’s on a one-year deal with a non-contending team, so he’d be cheap to acquire. On the Yankees, he’d essentially take the Tim Locastro or Duke Ellis role from past years but with more hitting ability and a championship ring (he was part of the 2019 Nationals). Imagine a late-game outfield of Taylor in left, Judge in right, and Cody Bellinger or Trent Grisham in center. That would cover a ton of ground. Taylor could also start against tough lefties (he historically hits left-handed pitching decently). Overall, he’s a low-cost veteran upgrade who strengthens the bench and defense.
Amed Rosario is a name that might surprise some, but he fits as a contact-oriented utility man. The former Mets and Guardians shortstop is now with the Washington Nationals, playing a mix of 3B, 2B, and OF. Rosario is quietly having a solid year at the plate, batting .282 with 3 homers and a .743 OPS. He’s 29 and brings a different skillset than most Yankees hitters: Rosario is a right-handed batter who excels at making contact (low strikeout rate) and has above-average sprint speed. He can play multiple positions; for the Yankees he could be a backup at second, short, or even third, and he’s logged some time in left field as well. Essentially, Rosario could fill the role Marwin Gonzalez or Tyler Wade used to, except with a better bat. He’s also postseason-tested from his time in Cleveland and Los Angeles (he was traded to the Dodgers in 2023). Contract-wise, Rosario is on a one-year deal with Washington, so again a pure rental. The Nats will certainly trade him, as they’re in a rebuild. Acquiring Rosario would give the Yankees a bit of insurance in the infield if there happen to be any more unfortunate injuries. Also, Rosario’s contact approach could be useful in manufacturing runs, something the Yankees struggle with when they become too homer-reliant. He’s the kind of player who could put the ball in play with a runner on third and less than two outs, for example, which is valuable in October.
Thairo Estrada is another familiar name to Yankee fans, debuting with New York in 2019–20 as a utility infielder. Now 29, Estrada blossomed with the Giants into a quality everyday player (he hit .273 with 14 HR and 21 SB in 2022). In 2025, he signed with the Rockies but unfortunately missed the first two months with a broken wrist. He has just returned in June, so his stats (hitting .222 in a handful of games) don’t tell much. The key is whether the Rockies would flip him if he shows he’s healthy by July. Given Colorado’s aforementioned situation, they should. Estrada can play second, short, third, and even some outfield; that super-utility flexibility is something the Yankees currently only got from Oswaldo Cabrera. Estrada also bats righty and has a balanced offensive game with moderate power, some speed, and decent contact. His familiarity with New York is a bonus (though his first stint was brief). One could envision Estrada being what the Yankees hoped Isiah Kiner-Falefa would be, a jack-of-all-trades who can contribute in multiple ways. Estrada is under team control through 2026 via arbitration, so he wouldn’t just be a rental. That could raise his price, but also means he can be part of the roster beyond this season as a cost-controlled role player.
Finally, a more out-of-the-box bench option is Keston Hiura. Hiura was once a highly touted slugger for the Brewers, known for his bat speed and power. But his all-or-nothing approach led to high strikeouts and he fell out of Milwaukee’s plans. In 2025, he signed a minor-league deal with Colorado and got a brief call-up, though he hit only .188 (0 HR) in a handful of at-bats. So why consider him? Because Hiura’s upside as a right-handed power bat is intriguing for a short-term flier. The Yankees have had success in the past picking up former top prospects and getting value (e.g., Aaron Hicks had a breakout after a rough start elsewhere, Matt Carpenter revitalized his bat in 2022 in New York). Hiura, 26, still has pop. He was mashing in Triple-A (he hit 23 HR in AAA in 2023). As a bench piece, he could pinch-hit against lefties (career .821 OPS vs LHP) and provide some thump. Think of Hiura as this year’s potential Luke Voit-style lottery ticket. It’s a very low-cost move (he might even be DFA’d by Colorado, so potentially free talent), and if it doesn’t work, you move on. But if it clicks, the Yankees get a bench bat who can change a game with one swing. Given the short porch in right, even an opposite-field flyball from Hiura could do damage. Again, this is more of a depth move and certainly not someone you’re counting on, but a worthwhile acquisition for a team that can stash an extra bat.
In summary, bolstering the bench with one or two of these names would improve the Yankees’ flexibility and situational options. Right now, the bench has consisted of light-hitting backups. Adding someone like Mateo or Taylor injects elite speed/defense; adding Rosario or Estrada provides reliable contact hitting and versatility; adding Hiura provides power potential. Come playoff time, having those tools at a manager’s disposal can win a crucial game. Also, these moves guard against injury – if an infielder goes down, you’d have Estrada or Rosario ready to step in as a capable everyday player. If an outfielder slumps, Taylor can take more starts and save runs with his glove. Given the minimal acquisition cost for bench upgrades, it’s a no-brainer for the Yankees to target at least one utility/bench upgrade.
Creative, Outside-the-Box Target for a Surprise Splash
In addition to the clear needs above, the Yankees could consider some bold, unconventional additions that might not be obvious trade deadline deals. This move is one that could provide a jolt not just for 2025 but for the future as well. Coby Mayo is a 23-year-old slugging third base (top) prospect in the deeply talented Orioles’ system. It’s rare for one division rival to trade a top prospect to another, but hear this out: Baltimore has a glut of infield prospects (Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday, etc.) and has had a nightmare 2025 season after two straight playoff disappointments. If the Orioles front office decides to shuffle the deck and address other needs, it’s conceivable they’d entertain moving someone like Mayo for the right price. Perhaps in a package that nets them MLB-ready pitching from New York. Mayo briefly debuted for Baltimore earlier this year but struggled in 11 games (going 5-for-34). In Triple-A, however, he’s been impressive: through 28 games at Norfolk, he hit .252 with 6 home runs and an .869 OPS. Notably, he crushes left-handed pitching. At one point, he was 9-for-17 (.529) with 4 homers against lefties in Triple-A. The Yankees have struggled against left-handed pitchers (they ranked last in MLB in average and OPS vs LHP this year before some recent improvements). Acquiring Mayo would be a move aimed at both now and later: he could take over at third base (solving that need if they don’t get McMahon/Hayes) and inject serious right-handed power into the lineup. At 6’5″, 230 lbs, Mayo draws comparisons to a young Troy Glaus or Austin Riley. Big frame, big power. Yes, he will strike out a lot (as many sluggers do), but the upside is a middle-of-the-order bat for years. The risk is he’s unproven in the majors. But if the Yankees feel their window is not just 2025 but the next 5+ years with Judge, Cole, etc., adding a potential young star could be savvy. The price would be high, and interdivision tax might apply, but it’s the kind of creative move that could pay off massively. It’s somewhat analogous to the Yankees’ acquisition of Gleyber Torres in 2016. Different circumstances, but bringing in a top prospect to augment a core.
In conclusion, as the trade deadline approaches, the Yankees find themselves in a familiar position, contenders with clear needs. The players discussed above represent realistic and logical targets to improve the 2025 Yankees in various areas. Some (like bullpen arms or a bench piece) will be relatively easy to acquire and low-cost; others (like a third baseman or a controllable starter) will cost more in prospect capital but could pay off significantly. The Yankees’ front office will weigh each move’s price against the potential impact on a World Series chase. The persuasive case for these targets is evident: each one fills a gap on the roster and brings a skill set that the current team is lacking, whether it’s a shutdown late-inning reliever, a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, a dependable starting pitcher, a pinch-running steal threat, or an injection of power and youth.
With Aaron Judge and Max Fried in their primes and the franchise hungry to return to the World Series after losing 2024’s Fall Classic, the time to act is now. The Yankees have the resources, both financial and prospect depth, to make multiple moves. By targeting the likes of Domínguez or Finnegan for the bullpen, McMahon or Hayes for third, Alcántara or Heaney for the rotation, Mateo/Rosario/Taylor for the bench, and maybe even a splash like Mayo or Murphy, the Yankees would emerge from the deadline with a decidedly stronger roster built for October baseball. It’s often said that flags fly forever; the moves the Yankees make (or don’t make) in the coming weeks could be the difference in adding a 28th championship banner at Yankee Stadium. Now it’s up to Brian Cashman and company to be aggressive and address these needs, because the AL field is toughening and standing pat is not a viable option. In a few weeks, we’ll see if the Yankees seize the opportunity to upgrade, the blueprint is there, and the players are available. Yankees fans should be optimistic that help is on the way, and if the right moves are made, this team can position itself as a favorite to win it all in 2025.
No responses yet