NEW YORK — The New York Yankees entered the offseason with a clear goal. The front office wants reliable insurance behind Anthony Volpe and a player who can protect the middle infield if injuries or performance issues arise. Two names have moved to the front of the conversation.
Both players offer versatility. Both fit the Yankees’ model of strong defense and contact hitting. The question is which one fits the roster better as the club prepares for 2026.
Ha-seong Kim enters the market at the right time
Kim became a free agent after he opted out of his contract. Chosun Ilbo confirmed he “exercised the opt-out clause” and entered the open market. His decision came after a difficult 2025 season that included back and shoulder issues. He hit .234 with limited power across 48 games.
His reputation remains strong. Kim won a National League Gold Glove in 2023 and has been praised for his range at shortstop and second base. His background as a dependable defender makes him an appealing fit if the Yankees need a direct replacement for Volpe.
South Korean outlet Sports Chosun wrote that “even Yankees are on Ha-seong Kim’s big list of suitors.” The report described New York’s interest as “serious.”
Kim brings value the Yankees care about. He is a natural shortstop. He has experience across the infield. He plays clean defense. He also brings postseason experience from his time in San Diego.
Contract projections place him around 16 million dollars on a one-year deal. That cost is high for a player who may serve as a backup. But the Yankees have shown interest in high-impact insurance pieces before.
Brendan Donovan offers versatility and years of control
Donovan is the opposite type of option. He is not a free agent. He remains under team control through at least 2027. Heavy.com reported that the Yankees asked about him at the GM Meetings and called him an “ideal trade fit” for their roster.
He made the National League All-Star team in 2025. He owns a Utility Gold Glove from 2022. He hit .287 with a .353 on-base percentage for St. Louis in 2025. He can play second base, third base, left field and right field. He can fill in at shortstop if needed.
His skill set mirrors the type of player the Yankees have lacked. They want more left-handed contact hitters. They want athletic glove work. They want players who can move around the field during long seasons.
A trade would not come cheap. St. Louis considers Donovan a long-term piece. But he offers several advantages. He is younger than Kim. He carries a lower salary. He fits a multi-positional role instead of a shortstop-only role.
Where each player fits behind Volpe
Volpe is the starting shortstop and the Yankees remain committed to him. But they want an experienced backup who can take the position if stress, injury or offensive regression becomes an issue. The 2025 season reinforced that depth at shortstop cannot be ignored.
Kim gives the Yankees instant coverage at shortstop. His glove matches what teams expect from an everyday middle infielder. He has handled pressure environments and could step into Volpe’s role with little disruption.
Donovan provides roster flexibility. He can give Volpe occasional rest without being a full-time replacement. His left-handed bat improves the Yankees’ lineup balance. His club control helps keep the payroll steady.
The Yankees must weigh the importance of pure shortstop depth against total roster value.
Comparison table: Ha-seong Kim vs. Brendan Donovan
| Category | Ha-seong Kim | Brendan Donovan |
| Contract status | Free agent | Under club control through 2027 |
| Cost | Projected one-year 16 million dollars | Arbitration years, low salary |
| Defensive value | 2023 Gold Glove at shortstop, strong range | 2022 Utility Gold Glove, plays multiple positions |
| Offensive profile | Down season in 2025, career contact hitter | Hit .287 with .353 OBP in 2025 |
| Positional fit with Yankees | Direct shortstop insurance behind Volpe | Versatile utility role, left-handed bat |
| Acquisition method | Free agent signing | Trade package required |
| Risk factors | Injury history in 2024-25 and cost | Prospect cost and limited shortstop reps |
| Best role | Starting shortstop backup | Value depth piece across infield and outfield |
What matters most in the Yankees’ choice
The Yankees must decide how they value the backup shortstop spot. If they want a pure shortstop with elite defense, Kim is the stronger match. His glove is polished. His experience in tight games adds stability. His free-agent status allows the Yankees to secure him without losing prospects.
If New York wants a long-term utility player who brings consistent contact hitting and lineup balance, Donovan is the better fit. His years of control help the payroll. His versatility adds value in different parts of the field. His All-Star nod in 2025 shows growth.
Another factor is roster construction. The Yankees are expected to add pitching and an outfielder this winter. A 16 million dollar deal for a backup infielder could limit those moves. Donovan allows more budget freedom but requires sending prospects to St. Louis.
Front office decision makers have also shown a preference for flexible players who can help over a full 162-game season. Donovan matches that profile well.
What the market tells us
Reports out of Korea show several clubs pursuing Kim. Demand for a veteran shortstop is strong. That could push his price higher than expected. If that happens, the Yankees might shift focus to Donovan or explore internal options.
St. Louis has not signaled it will trade Donovan. But the Cardinals have moved core players before when value aligned. The Yankees have the prospect depth to engage if they want to pursue him.
The Yankees need a Volpe insurance plan. They cannot risk a thin bench at shortstop in 2026. Their decision will depend on value, roster health and how they see Volpe’s long-term growth.
Both players fit. Both solve different roster needs. The Yankees must decide which fit solves the bigger one.
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