As Opening Day approaches, the New York Yankees are still actively exploring potential roster enhancements. According to Yankees insider Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the front office is closely monitoring players who may become available as teams finalize their rosters.
“The club will keep an eye on who else may become available this week as other teams begin to hone their rosters,” he wrote. “The club seems especially motivated to upgrade at third base, a league source told The Athletic, targeting a right-handed bat to play alongside Oswaldo Cabrera — a switch hitter who’s better from the left side.”
The Yankees have a history of making late roster additions, and Kuty reminds fans that they have pulled off key acquisitions just days before past seasons began.
“Don’t forget: Last year, they traded for infielder Jon Berti on March 27,” the insider noted. “In 2023, they signed outfielder Franchy Cordero on March 30.”
The Yankees have often made late additions to strengthen the roster, and this year appears to be no different. Their March strategy has led to successful under-the-radar acquisitions in recent seasons, including Jon Berti, Jose Trevino, and Mike Tauchman.
Therefore, the next few days could be critical as the team evaluates last-minute trade opportunities in its pursuit of a championship-caliber roster. Let’s examine five players who could the Yankees land just before the opening day.
Nolan Arenado (3B, St. Louis Cardinals) — Yankees’ most-talked-about target
Once considered baseball’s premier third baseman, Nolan Arenado‘s trajectory has taken a concerning downward turn coinciding with his advancing age. His statistical regression tells a compelling story:
- 2022 Campaign: 7.7 WAR, 30 round-trippers, .891 OPS
- 2023 Performance: 2.5 WAR, 26 home runs, .775 OPS
- 2024 Results: 2.4 WAR, 16 homers, .719 OPS
The financial component presents an even greater obstacle than his declining production. With approximately $52 million guaranteed through 2027, the 33-year-old represents a substantial investment for diminishing returns. Unless St. Louis absorbs a significant salary, Arenado remains an unlikely Yankee despite persistent rumors linking him to the Bronx.
With spring training winding down, General Manager Brian Cashman remains actively engaged in trade discussions. His primary focus appears to be securing a right-handed hitting option at third base to complement Oswaldo Cabrera, who is more effective from the left side.
Brandon Drury (INF, Chicago White Sox) — Ex-Yankees player successful elsewhere
Brandon Drury‘s brief 2018 Yankees tenure gave little indication of the player he would become. After departing New York, he transformed into a legitimate power threat:
- 2022 Breakthrough: .263 batting average, 28 home runs, .813 OPS (Silver Slugger recipient)
- 2023 Consistency: .262 average, 26 homers, .801 OPS
- 2024 Setback: Limited availability (97 games) with significant production decline (4 HR, .469 OPS)
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. The White Sox rebuild creates favorable conditions for a potential reunion with New York at minimal acquisition cost.
Miguel Vargas (INF/OF, Chicago White Sox) — Fallen prospect seeking revival
The gap between Miguel Vargas‘ minor league promise and major league reality represents one of baseball’s more puzzling developmental mysteries. His catastrophic 2024 campaign underscores his career crossroads:
- 42 appearances: .104 batting average, .387 OPS, diminished confidence
Despite these alarming figures, Vargas’ youth (25) and former prospect pedigree suggest untapped potential remains. The Yankees development staff has demonstrated an aptitude for reclamation projects, potentially viewing Vargas as a high-ceiling lottery ticket rather than an immediate contributor.
Kevin Pillar (OF, Texas Rangers) — Specialist against southpaws
Kevin Pillar‘s career has evolved into a specialized role focused on exploiting left-handed pitching vulnerabilities. His pronounced 2024 platoon differentials illustrate his remaining value:
- Left-handed opposition: .310 average, .852 OPS (116 at-bats)
- Right-handed matchups: .189 average, .519 OPS (significant struggle)
The 36-year-old’s defensive versatility spanning all outfield positions provides valuable depth. Currently competing for Texas roster inclusion via minor league contract, Pillar represents the prototypical veteran platoon specialist contending clubs often target for bench reinforcement.
Beyond third base, the Yankees are also exploring corner outfield depth, a move that would solidify the team’s offensive flexibility heading into the season.
Dylan Moore (INF/OF, Seattle Mariners) — Versatile defender with untapped offensive ceiling
Dylan Moore presents perhaps the most intriguing combination of defensive excellence, positional flexibility, and offensive upside among available options. His unconventional profile features dramatic splits worth deeper examination:
- 2024 Aggregate Stats: .211 average, 10 home runs, .687 OPS
- T-Mobile Park Production: .174 average, .545 OPS (severe home disadvantage)
- Road Performance: .244 average, 8 homers, .840 OPS (dramatically improved)
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.
Moore’s comprehensive skill set addresses several Yankee priorities:
- Defensive capability at third base and corner outfield (primary organizational needs)
- Superior plate discipline (ranking in the 99th percentile for chase rate)
- Award-winning defensive versatility (five positions during the 2024 season)
- Manageable financial obligation (single-year commitment)
- Hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium potentially unlocking offensive improvements
Assessing the landscape: Most logical acquisition target?
Examining the complete spectrum of available options suggests Moore represents the most sensible pursuit for the Yankees‘ specific circumstances. His defensive prowess addresses immediate needs while his dramatic home/road offensive splits indicate potential for statistical improvement in more favorable hitting environments.
For organizations balancing win-now imperatives with reasonable payroll management, Moore embodies the ideal supplementary acquisition — addressing multiple roster deficiencies without excessive prospect capital or financial obligation.
With injuries already impacting projected contributors Cole, Stanton, and LeMahieu, addressing depth concerns has escalated from luxury to necessity. Whether pursuing Moore or alternative candidates, the Yankees’ operational history suggests imminent action as Opening Day approaches.
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