As the New York Yankees enter the offseason, they face pivotal decisions to enhance their roster for the 2025 season. General Manager Brian Cashman, known for balancing marquee acquisitions with strategic moves, now confronts the challenge of potentially re-signing Juan Soto while adhering to budget constraints. This scenario necessitates a pragmatic approach to trades, aiming to restore the Yankees’ competitive edge.
In The Athletic, former MLB executive Jim Bowden highlighted several notable trade candidates, sparking interest among Yankees fans. Prominent names such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Ryan Helsley, and Devin Williams align with the Yankees’ objectives, offering targeted improvements without overextending resources.
Key trade targets for the Yankees
Bowden’s list encompasses a range of top-tier talent across various positions, each bringing unique strengths to a team seeking dependable offense, a fortified bullpen, and rotation depth. The Yankees’ interest likely varies by position, but each player could serve a clear purpose.
While stars like Guerrero Jr. and Arenado would undoubtedly energize the roster, their salaries present a significant hurdle. More practical acquisitions—like Helsley, Williams, and Bassitt—stand out as feasible options, balancing impact and financial sense.
After a season highlighting gaps in bullpen reliability, the Yankees could benefit from adding pitchers like Ryan Helsley or Devin Williams. Helsley is known for his late-inning reliability and could provide a durable right arm in high-leverage situations. Williams, with a dominant strikeout rate as the Brewers’ closer, would offer valuable depth and power, reinforcing the Yankees’ bullpen with the stability it missed last season.
Shoring up first base and outfield
First base and outfield depth are also areas Cashman is likely to prioritize. Yandy Diaz, a first baseman known for his consistent bat, reportedly caught the Yankees’ interest at the trade deadline. He’d add much-needed contact and plate discipline to a lineup that struggled with offensive inconsistency. Another option is LaMonte Wade Jr., who offers versatility across both infield and outfield, a flexibility that has long appealed to Cashman.
For outfield depth, Mike Yastrzemski stands out as a potential target with his left-handed bat and strong defense, particularly suited for Yankee Stadium. Although not a blockbuster move, Yastrzemski’s addition could balance the lineup, bringing extra left-handed power and reliable defense.
With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón as rotation anchors, adding a steady veteran like Chris Bassitt would round out the starting lineup effectively. Bassitt’s consistency and experience are especially attractive given the Yankees’ reliance on younger arms who could benefit from a seasoned presence. Additionally, the Blue Jays might be open to a deal to cut payroll, making Bassitt a realistic option to enhance the Yankees’ rotation depth without overextending financially.
Building for a strong 2025
By focusing on attainable targets rather than high-cost superstars, the Yankees could strategically enhance their roster without jeopardizing their farm system or financial health. Adding players like Helsley, Williams, Díaz, and Yastrzemski could reshape the Yankees in meaningful ways, positioning them to reclaim a postseason berth.
As trade discussions progress, Yankees fans will closely monitor Cashman’s choices, hopeful that a well-balanced roster can revive the Yankees’ presence in October.
15 potential Yankees trade targets for the offseason
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B
- Garrett Crochet, SP
- Zac Gallen, SP
- Ryan Helsley, RP
- Luis Robert Jr., OF
- Devin Williams, RP
- Yandy Díaz, 1B
- Ryan Pressly, RP
- Nolan Arenado, 3B
- Chris Bassitt, SP
- Mike Yastrzemski, OF
- LaMonte Wade Jr., OF/INF
- Logan Webb, SP
- Brandon Lowe, 2B
- Kyle Finnegan, RP
As the Yankees seek a path back to October, Cashman’s decisions this offseason will likely dictate how close they come to achieving it.
