The Yankees are actively looking to add a right-handed bat to their lineup, with a preference for someone who can play third base, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. They’re also exploring options to bolster their starting rotation.
New York is off to a strong start this season, sitting at 30-21 and well-positioned in the AL East. Aaron Judge continues to dominate at the plate, and solid early-season performances from Jasson Dominguez and Anthony Volpe have helped keep the offense on track. While there are some concerns—like Cody Bellinger’s slow start, Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s injury history, and Paul Goldschmidt’s high BABIP—the lineup overall has been performing well.
The biggest concern is the infield, particularly third base. With Chisholm on the injured list, and Oswaldo Cabrera potentially out for the season due to an ankle injury, the Yankees have been rotating DJ LeMahieu, Oswald Peraza, and Jorbit Vivas across the infield. However, LeMahieu and Peraza haven’t produced much offensively, making a right-handed upgrade especially appealing.
That kind of player may be hard to find on the trade market right now. Possible fits like Otto Lopez (Marlins), Lenyn Sosa (White Sox), or Amed Rosario (Nationals) could be available, but few teams are in full sell mode yet—and intra-division trades (like with the Orioles) are unlikely.
Meanwhile, it’s easier to find pitching help. With rookies like Will Warren and veterans like Ryan Yarbrough currently in the rotation, the Yankees don’t need a top-tier ace—just more depth. Names like Sandy Alcantara and Adrian Houser could be on the radar, though the Yankees are mainly waiting for Luis Gil and Marcus Stroman to get healthy.
Still, major trades are unlikely this early in the season. Teams are more likely to scan the waiver wire than pull off blockbuster deals before June. Recently released players like Orlando Arcia and Kevin Pillar (right-handed bats), or pitchers like Kyle Gibson and Sean Newcomb, might be more realistic short-term targets for now.
