With the Trade Deadline Two Months Away, the Yankees Must Make Key Moves

NEW YORK – That was a rough weekend in LA after dropping two/three games to the Dodgers.

What became most evident is that the Yankees have more needs at the trade deadline than they may realize. The foundation of the team is solid—more than capable of contending for a World Series title—but additional support is necessary. Without key reinforcements, the Yankees could be facing the risk of an early postseason exit.

Infielder:

The Yankees entered the 2025 season with an evident need at third base but appeared to operate under the belief that they could manage without directly addressing the issue. That assumption has not held up, as the lack of consistent production and stability at the position has become increasingly apparent.

In addition, the team began the season with Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second base, but he struggled significantly through the first month before being placed on the injured list. Chisholm Jr. is expected to return this week, and while it is reasonable to anticipate improved performance, the overall production from the Yankees’ second and third base positions continues to be a source of concern.

The Yankees are expected to move Jazz Chisholm Jr. to third base upon his return from injury, a decision likely driven by multiple factors. First, the shift helps keep Chisholm on the field while allowing DJ LeMahieu to play second base, a position currently better suited to his health and defensive capabilities. Second, the trade market for second basemen appears to be deeper than the market for third basemen as the deadline approaches. The Yankees have made it known they prefer to add a right-handed bat to their lineup, ideally at second base. One potential option is Amed Rosario of the Washington Nationals, who has posted a .303/.333/.782 slash line over 82 at-bats in 2025. Additional trade opportunities could emerge as more teams fall out of postseason contention—Toronto Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette is one example of a player who could become available.

Starting Pitcher:

The Yankees entered spring training with a strong starting rotation, featuring Gerrit Cole coming off a successful season, reigning Rookie of the Year Luis Gil, and newly acquired Max Fried as their top three. Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt were expected to round out the bottom of the rotation. However, that plan quickly unraveled. Cole is now out for the season with a torn UCL, Gil is on the injured list with a right lat strain and is not expected to return until July, and Schmidt began the season on the injured list with an injury of his own. To fill the resulting gaps in the rotation, the Yankees have turned to Will Warren, Marcus Stroman, and Carlos Carrasco to make starts.

If the Yankees are serious about contending for a World Series title, they will likely need to acquire at least one additional starting pitcher at the trade deadline. One potential option is Arizona Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen. Although Gallen has struggled in 2025 with a 3–5 record and a 5.54 ERA, his performances in previous seasons placed him in contention for the National League Cy Young Award. Given that Gallen is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season, he may be available at a relatively low cost.

Other starting pitchers are expected to become available at the trade deadline, including Patrick Corbin of the Texas Rangers and Eric Fedde of the St. Louis Cardinals. However, given the significance of starting pitching in a postseason run, the Yankees should focus on acquiring a higher-end starter to strengthen their rotation.

Relief Pitching:

While every contending team seeks relief pitching at the trade deadline, the Yankees have a specific need for a high-velocity reliever—an element currently missing from the back end of their bullpen. This need may become more urgent as the team awaits further evaluation of Luke Weaver, who experienced hamstring discomfort during Sunday night’s game in Los Angeles.

There will be numerous relief pitchers available at the trade deadline, but one reliever the Yankees should strongly consider targeting is right-hander Kyle Finnegan of the Washington Nationals. Finnegan currently leads the National League with 16 saves and has posted a 2.61 ERA. Another potential option is Andrés Muñoz, the closer for the Seattle Mariners. If the Mariners fall out of contention, Muñoz would be among the most attractive bullpen targets. He has been one of the most dominant relievers in baseball this season, recording a 1.40 ERA over 25.2 innings pitched in 2025.

While these are high-end options, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman and pitching coach Matt Blake have a proven track record of developing effective relievers who previously struggled with other organizations, such as Luke Weaver. However, given the current circumstances, this may be the time for the Yankees to pursue an established name to solidify the back end of the bullpen.

Brian Cashman and his front office team will have significant work ahead of them over the next two months as they look to position the Yankees as a leading World Series contender in 2025.