With Martinez and Arenado out, Yankees’ search for a right-handed bat narrows to these 5 names

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Recent injuries to key players have left the New York Yankees searching for reinforcements, with general manager Brian Cashman reportedly “on the hunt” for a right-handed bat.

According to Bill Madden of The NY Daily News, the Yankees are actively exploring options to bolster their lineup, though J.D. Martinez and Nolan Arenado are not among the front office’s primary targets.

Injury setbacks pressuring Yankees to make a move

The Yankees’ roster depth is being tested early, with Giancarlo Stanton sidelined indefinitely due to elbow issues and DJ LeMahieu nursing a calf injury. These setbacks leave reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge with less protection in the lineup, forcing Cashman to evaluate external options to reinforce the batting order.

While there’s no official confirmation on whether Stanton will require surgery, a procedure could potentially end his season. Meanwhile, LeMahieu’s recovery timeline remains uncertain, though his condition is reportedly less severe. These injuries complicate the Yankees’ path as they prepare for Opening Day, raising questions about their offensive stability.

Joel Sherman’s insight on Yankees’ trade plans

On Pinstripe Post, Joel Sherman reported last Friday that the Yankees are actively exploring trade options for a right-handed third baseman or a corner outfielder. Given Brian Cashman’s history of making late-spring moves, Sherman speculated that a deal could emerge before Opening Day. He noted that past acquisitions like John Berti (2023), Jose Trevino (2022), and Mike Tauchman (2019) fit a similar mold of under-the-radar trades that provided significant value.

Sherman explained: “The Yankees are looking for a right-handed bat who can slot in at third base or a corner outfield spot. This is something Brian Cashman has done before, waiting until the end of spring training to make a move. We’ve seen him pick up players like Trevino and Tauchman, and I wouldn’t be surprised if another similar deal is in the works.”

Sherman’s report fueled speculation about who Cashman might target in the coming weeks, prompting Yankees fans to analyze potential fits for the roster.

Why Arenado and Martinez are unlikely options

Despite past links to both Nolan Arenado and J.D. Martinez, the Yankees appear to be steering away from these established sluggers. Arenado, 33, still has three years remaining on his contract, worth approximately $52 million. Though he was an MVP-caliber player in 2022, his offensive production has declined in recent seasons, with his WAR dropping significantly and his OPS dipping to .719 last year. Given his contract and recent regression, the Yankees seem reluctant to pursue a trade for the Cardinals’ third baseman.

As for Martinez, the 36-year-old designated hitter remains unsigned in free agency. However, his defensive limitations and age make him a less-than-ideal fit for the Yankees, who already have roster constraints.

5 trade market possibilities

With Opening Day just weeks away, the Yankees will likely rely on Oswaldo Cabrera as their primary third baseman, with Oswald Peraza rotating in when needed. For the DH role, second-year lefty Ben Rice and top prospect Spencer Jones could be called upon to fill the void left by Stanton.

Yet, if the Yankees want a more established presence, a late-spring trade remains an option. In past seasons, Cashman has made key end-of-spring moves, acquiring players like Trevino and Tauchman. If history repeats itself, a right-handed bat could be on its way to the Bronx before Opening Day.

Here are five potential trade targets who fit the Yankees’ needs:

1. Brandon Drury (Chicago White Sox)

A familiar face for Yankees fans, Drury experienced a career resurgence in 2022, hitting .263 with 28 home runs and an .813 OPS en route to a Silver Slugger Award. He followed that up with another strong 2023 campaign but struggled in 2024, appearing in only 97 games and slashing .169 with a .469 OPS. Currently a non-roster invitee with the White Sox, Drury’s versatility—having played over 10 games at first, second, and third base last season—could make him an appealing low-risk addition.

2. Miguel Vargas (Chicago White Sox)

Vargas, 25, was once a highly regarded prospect for the Dodgers but has struggled since being traded to the White Sox. In 42 games last season, he hit just .104 with a .387 OPS, suggesting a change of scenery might be necessary. As a young and controllable player, Vargas could be a reclamation project for the Yankees, offering depth at multiple infield positions.

3. Kevin Pillar (Texas Rangers)

The 36-year-old veteran outfielder signed a minor-league deal with the Rangers but is not expected to make their Opening Day roster. Last season, Pillar hit .229 with eight home runs and a .667 OPS in 100 games. However, he excelled against left-handed pitching, slashing .310 with an .852 OPS in 116 at-bats. With the Yankees needing right-handed depth in the outfield, Pillar could provide a short-term solution.

4. Dylan Moore (Seattle Mariners)

Seattle’s versatile utility man won the 2024 AL Gold Glove for his defensive prowess and is in the final year of his contract, making him a potential trade candidate. Offensively, Moore posted a .211 batting average with 10 home runs and a .687 OPS, though his numbers were far better away from pitcher-friendly T-Mobile Park (.244 AVG, .840 OPS on the road). His ability to play five different positions, including third base and corner outfield, makes him a compelling option for the Yankees.

5. A Surprise Late-Spring Acquisition

Given Cashman’s history, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Yankees pulled off an unexpected trade at the end of spring training. As Sherman pointed out, past acquisitions like Trevino and Tauchman made immediate impacts. If a suitable right-handed bat becomes available, the Yankees could make a move to shore up their roster before the regular season begins.

As the season approaches, the Yankees’ front office is actively evaluating their options. While a blockbuster move for a star player seems unlikely, the need for a right-handed bat remains evident. Whether through internal promotions or a last-minute trade, Cashman will need to address the roster imbalance to ensure the Yankees remain contenders in the AL East.

Who do you think the Yankees should target? Let us know your thoughts as the team gears up for Opening Day.

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