Yankees GM leaves possibility for last-minute deals, but lacks conviction

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With the 2025 campaign set to begin against the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has indicated the organization remains open to potential eleventh-hour roster enhancements—particularly targeting a right-handed hitter to strengthen a lineup already compromised by numerous significant injuries.

“We’re keeping the phone lines open,” Cashman told reporters Saturday, as first reported by MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. He added that he would be “happier” if the Yankees could bring in a right-handed bat before Opening Day.

“I’d be happier if I could line up some choices for our manager, and I think some choices have kind of emerged in camp,’’ he told.

However, he also added that internal options were there too. “There’s a lot of teams looking for right-handed balance throughout the game, not just us,’’ the Yankees GM added. “But we certainly have some people in camp that have caught our attention at the same time.

While supporters anticipating a major acquisition may need to temper expectations, Cashman’s weekend comments suggest the front office continues its aggressive stance, even as Opening Day appears likely to feature mostly internal candidates. The Yankees have weathered a brutal spring training, losing ace pitcher Gerrit Cole to season-ending elbow surgery and facing extended absences from veterans Giancarlo Stanton and DJ LeMahieu.

Yankees lineup in flux

With Stanton battling bilateral elbow injuries compounded by a newly emerged calf issue, and LeMahieu sidelined after participating in just two spring at-bats due to his own calf strain, New York faces immediate offensive depth challenges. Cashman, however, carefully avoided confirming any pending external additions.

Despite ongoing speculation regarding several available free agents—most notably slugger J.D. Martinez and utility specialist Whit Merrifield—the Yankees haven’t been credibly connected to any of these options. Former Mets infielder José Iglesias, another potential depth candidate, recently signed with the Padres earlier this month.

These circumstances suggest that any Yankees move might materialize as a modest trade, reminiscent of last season’s late acquisition of Jon Berti from the Marlins less than 24 hours before the season began.

Who can fit the Yankees wish

• Nolan Arenado (3B, St. Louis Cardinals): Unless St. Louis absorbs a significant salary, Arenado remains an unlikely Yankee despite persistent rumors linking him to the Bronx.
• Brandon Drury (INF, Chicago White Sox): Currently battling for roster inclusion with Chicago as a non-roster invitee, Drury’s multi-position defensive capability (third base, second base, first base) enhances his appeal.
• Miguel Vargas (INF/OF, Chicago White Sox): The gap between Miguel Vargas‘ minor league promise and major league reality represents one of baseball’s more puzzling developmental mysteries.
• Kevin Pillar (OF, Texas Rangers): Kevin Pillar‘s career has evolved into a specialized role focused on exploiting left-handed pitching vulnerabilities.
• Dylan Moore (INF/OF, Seattle Mariners): The reigning American League Utility Gold Glove recipient offers exceptional defensive value across multiple positions. His $3.9 million expiring contract presents minimal financial commitment while Seattle’s competitive positioning may facilitate reasonable acquisition parameters.

Will Cashman pull off a surprise again?

Last spring, few anticipated the Jon Berti trade until it became official. This year, Cashman has maintained similar discretion regarding any specific plans while not dismissing the possibility of employing a comparable strategy.

A minor transaction for a right-handed batter or infield reinforcement remains plausible, especially as the Yankees seek to navigate the early schedule until LeMahieu and Stanton return to health. Veteran options like Iglesias or minor-league depth from rebuilding franchises could be under consideration.

Cashman’s approach reinforces a familiar organizational philosophy: strengthen from within when feasible, but remain adaptable and opportunistic when suitable external options become available.

What to expect in the eleventh hour

With the Yankees’ 2025 season opener at Yankee Stadium less than a week away, Cashman and Boone appear prepared to rely on internal depth while maintaining flexibility. Nevertheless, a quiet addition—via waiver claim, minor trade for a hitter, or even an unexpected signing—remains within the realm of possibility.

Regardless of whether another personnel move materializes, the Yankees’ early-season performance will largely depend on whether their current replacements—Ben Rice, Escarra, Pablo Reyes, and Oswaldo Cabrera—can deliver productive at-bats under championship expectations.

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