Yankees in market for a right-handed outfield bat but their condition bites

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The New York Yankees find themselves in an uncharacteristic position heading into the 2025 season—seeking offensive reinforcements while operating under tight financial constraints that could delay major acquisitions until midseason.

General Manager Brian Cashman is actively exploring options to strengthen the lineup, particularly seeking a right-handed outfielder, but the team’s financial limitations have significantly restricted their ability to make immediate moves.

According to recent reports from The New York Post’s Joel Sherman, the Yankees have expressed interest in veteran slugger Adam Duvall but are unwilling to offer him a guaranteed major league contract.

“I believe they are out at least looking for a right-hand-hitting outfielder,” Sherman said on The Show podcast with Jon Heyman. “I know they had some interest in Adam Duvall, but they don’t even want to give a major-league contract to Adam Duvall. So they really are into penny-pinching right now.”

Financial constraints under Steinbrenner bites

The hesitation reflects owner Hal Steinbrenner’s stance that the team’s payroll spending has reached its ceiling. The Yankees are already projected to carry a $307-308 million payroll in 2025, among the highest in Major League Baseball.

Unlike his father, the late George Steinbrenner, who was known for aggressive spending to maintain the Yankees’ competitive edge, Hal has taken a more measured financial approach. Despite running one of MLB’s highest payrolls, Steinbrenner has made it clear he expects the current roster to compete without additional spending.

WFAN host Brandon Tierney defended this approach, arguing that patience, rather than rushed signings, is the appropriate strategy.

“Right now, the Yankees are a flawed team, and they know it,” Tierney said on his radio show. “But now is not the time to address it. It’s like whack-a-mole—boom, that’s done, boom another guy pops up.”

Key lineup concerns

Despite boasting one of baseball’s most formidable cores with Aaron Judge, Paul Goldschmidt, and Cody Bellinger, several positions remain questionable heading into the 2025 campaign:

• Third Base: The Yankees must choose between Oswaldo Cabrera, DJ LeMahieu, and Oswald Peraza—a situation widely considered one of the weakest third-base scenarios in baseball.
• Designated Hitter: If Giancarlo Stanton continues struggling with injuries, the team will need alternative plans for the DH role.
• Leadoff Position: The team has yet to identify a consistent leadoff hitter to set the table for their power-heavy lineup.
• Left Field: Young prospect Jasson Domínguez is expected to get the first opportunity, but questions remain about his major league readiness.
• Right-Handed Power: Outside of Judge and a potentially healthy Stanton, the Yankees’ lineup skews left-handed, potentially creating matchup challenges against certain pitchers.

Despite these offensive concerns, the Yankees’ elite pitching staff, led by Gerrit Cole and supported by one of the league’s deepest bullpens, is expected to keep them firmly in contention.

Could the Yankees target Nolan Arenado?

One persistent rumor throughout the offseason has linked the Yankees to St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado. However, financial constraints have complicated any potential deal.

“The Yankees and other teams that have approached the Cardinals about Nolan Arenado want to make sure that they lop off some more money,” Tierney noted. “If he was still a superstar, which he’s not, well then you’d be less concerned with taking on that money.”

The 33-year-old Arenado is owed $21 million for the 2025 season and remains under contract through 2027. While still a solid defender and above-average hitter, his offensive production has declined in recent years. Given the Yankees’ current financial stance, acquiring Arenado would likely require significant salary relief from St. Louis.

Midseason strategy

While some fans criticize Steinbrenner’s reluctance to spend more, others believe his approach allows the Yankees to make significant moves when most needed—typically at the trade deadline.

“Why in the world would you fire it now when you don’t know what the biggest issue is going to be?” Tierney questioned on his show.

This wait-and-see approach has served the Yankees well previously. Their aggressive pursuit of Jazz Chisholm Jr. last season demonstrated a willingness to add salary when circumstances warranted.

“Are you telling me that if the Yankees have a chance to make a massive offensive upgrade by bringing in some real money that Hal’s not going to do it?” Tierney asked. “If he doesn’t, unacceptable.”

Internal solutions

Even without additional signings, the Yankees could see offensive improvement from within. Several players have potential for growth in 2025:

• Anthony Volpe: The young shortstop showed signs of a breakout last season and could take another leap.
• Austin Wells: A promising bat-first catcher, Wells has the potential to be a key contributor.
• Cody Bellinger: If he returns to his 2023 All-Star form, he could provide another major power source.
• Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Now in his first full season with the Yankees, Chisholm has the potential to be an impact player.
• Jasson Domínguez & Everson Pereira: Both young outfielders could provide in-house solutions rather than forcing the team to make external additions.

The championship window

Despite roster uncertainties, the Yankees remain projected as top contenders in 2025, with most analysts expecting them to win approximately 90 games. However, the true question is whether they’re built for postseason success.

With Aaron Judge still in his prime years, pressure mounts on the organization to capitalize on their championship window. Many believe Steinbrenner will ultimately authorize spending if midseason adjustments could push the team toward a World Series title.

“You don’t think that if Hal is staring down the barrel of another World Series appearance back-to-back with a chance to crack through and win with Aaron Judge, what, two, three, four years left of absolute prime… you don’t think that he would do it?” Tierney asked.

For now, the Yankees appear content to enter the 2025 season with their current roster, evaluating weaknesses as the season unfolds. Their deep pitching staff and strong core provide flexibility to make significant midseason moves if necessary—potentially determining whether they’re merely playoff contenders or legitimate World Series favorites.

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