NEW YORK — The New York Yankees enter another crucial offseason under growing scrutiny.
After a season that ended short of their championship expectations, the focus has shifted squarely to general manager Brian Cashman. The long-tenured executive has pledged changes to strengthen the Yankees’ roster, and one MLB insider believes a mix of smart, mid-tier free-agent signings could help turn things around.
In a recent analysis for The Athletic, reporter Chris Kirschner outlined a list of ten potential targets for the Yankees. His breakdown included a few familiar stars, but it was his suggestions at the bottom of the list that drew the most intrigue — three under-the-radar options who could quietly fix key weaknesses on the roster.
Austin Hays viewed as affordable outfield solution
Outfielder Austin Hays, who spent 2025 with the Baltimore Orioles, was one of the names Kirschner floated as a sensible free-agent pickup. The 30-year-old right-handed hitter is coming off a productive season in which he continued to excel against left-handed pitching.
“The Yankees could use a right-handed-hitting outfielder,” Kirschner wrote. “Few make more sense than Hays, who should not cost much in free agency. He had a .949 OPS against left-handed pitching in 2025. For his career, he has an .819 OPS versus lefties.”
Hays’ profile fits a clear need for the Yankees, who struggled last season against left-handed pitching. His ability to play all three outfield spots gives manager Aaron Boone lineup flexibility, but his primary role would likely come in left field.
If Jasson Dominguez returns as the Yankees’ everyday left fielder, Hays could serve as a natural platoon partner, offering veteran stability while sharing reps. Spotrac projects Hays to sign a one-year, $5 million deal, making him a low-risk option for a team managing multiple high-salary contracts.
Brad Keller among bullpen targets
Beyond the lineup, Kirschner identified the bullpen as one of the Yankees’ biggest areas of need. Reliever Brad Keller, who revived his career with the Chicago Cubs in 2025, appears to be a prime candidate to help.
Keller, 30, was once a struggling starter before transitioning into a late-inning relief role. The move transformed his career. His average fastball velocity jumped to 97.1 mph, and his ground-ball rate of 56.6 percent ranked in the 95th percentile across Major League Baseball.
“The Yankees’ bullpen needs a makeover after a disappointing season,” Kirschner wrote. “Keller would be a perfect fit. There are few relievers available who get a ton of strikeouts while limiting hard contact.”
His 27.2 percent strikeout rate placed him among the top relievers in the National League. Spotrac projects Keller’s next contract at three years and $30 million — a moderate price for a pitcher who could slide into the setup role in front of closer David Bednar.
Ryan Helsley seen as a rebound candidate
Kirschner also mentioned Ryan Helsley, who struggled after being traded from St. Louis to the New York Mets in 2025, as a potential reclamation project. Helsley’s numbers with the Mets were ugly — a 7.20 ERA in 22 appearances — but scouts and analysts believe his poor results were caused by pitch tipping.
“If that issue has been resolved, he could be a bounce-back candidate,” Kirschner wrote. “His Stuff+ this season was 127, the second-best mark of his career. His fastball sits just below 100 mph, and he pairs it with a nasty slider.”
Between 2022 and 2024, Helsley ranked second among all relievers in fWAR, trailing only Emmanuel Clase. A one-year, $13 million contract could allow the Yankees to buy low on a former All-Star who might rediscover his dominant form in a new environment.
Cashman under pressure to deliver results
After another early postseason exit, Yankees fans have grown impatient with Cashman’s decision-making. The general manager acknowledged during the GM meetings in Las Vegas that changes were necessary, emphasizing the need for better contact hitting, improved health, and bullpen consistency.
Analysts like Kirschner believe the path to improvement may not rest solely in blockbuster signings. Instead, adding role-specific veterans such as Hays and Keller could give the Yankees a more balanced roster around core stars.
“The Yankees don’t have to chase every headline,” Kirschner wrote. “They just need the right players to fill specific holes.”
Yankees expected to stay active
The Yankees are expected to be among the most aggressive teams this offseason as they look to keep pace in the American League East. Division rivals like Toronto and Baltimore are also planning significant spending, increasing the urgency in New York’s front office.
The Yankees are already linked to multiple high-profile names, including free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker and potential trade targets for pitching help. But their approach this winter could be more balanced than in past years, combining star power with reliable depth pieces.
Cashman’s ability to land productive veterans while maintaining payroll flexibility will determine whether the Yankees can re-establish themselves as true contenders. With players like Hays, Keller, and Helsley all within reach, the coming weeks could shape the direction of the franchise heading into 2026.
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