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Assessing Yankees' biggest needs ahead of MLB trade deadline
Assessing Yankees' biggest needs ahead of MLB trade deadline
Pete Caldera, NorthJersey.comSat, July 25, 2026 at 8:01 AM UTC·3 min readEven less than two weeks away from the MLB trade deadline, there’s a mystery as to who’s dealing – and to what extent.
“Every organization right now seems like they’re still in the fact-finding (phase),’’ Yankees manager Aaron Boone said this week.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement“So, you’re just kind of doing the connecting’’ with other clubs, while scouting your own system,’’ said Boone, who will also occasionally inquire of GM Brian Cashman if it’s possible to get Player X.
And when certain trade ideas “become a potential reality,’’ Cashman will run it by Boone, who could hear a variety of interesting names before the Aug. 3 deadline.
Here’s a look at the Yankees’ biggest needs:
Swing-and-miss reliever
Cashman thought he’d have an in-house candidate in Carlos Lagrange, who began transitioning from a starter in the minors last month.
But the hard-throwing right-hander came up with a capsular spring (right shoulder) that could cost him the season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementLagrange’s presence wouldn’t have ended the Yanks’ search for relief help, but the emphasis should be on acquiring a strikeout artist.
Key 2026 stats: 0.86 ERA in 40 games, 48.8 percent strikeout rate.
With three more seasons of team control, it would take a ton for the Padres to trade an impact closer they just acquired last summer in a package led by top shortstop prospect Leo DeVries.
But the Yanks don’t have a closer beyond 2026, and Cashman made deals for relievers last year who had additional team control.
Camilo Doval and Jake Bird haven’t worked out. David Bednar has, and he’s a free agent after this season.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementYanks’ No. 20 overall shortstop (MLB Pipeline) George Lombard Jr. might be in the Yanks’ plans sooner than later, but he’s their best prospect trade chip, with Dax Kilby, Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez within the top 80 rankings.
Staying with the Padres, lefty Adrian Morejon produces strikeouts and groundballs with his hard sinker-changeup-slider mix and is a free agent after this season.
Luke Weaver’s $11 million owed in 2027 is an obstacle, but what about a reunion with Clay Holmes – as a reliever? The Mets’ righty would almost certainly re-enter free agency, with a $12 million player option for ’27.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementRight-handed hitting catcher
With a combined .531 average OPS, the Yankees have received scant production from their catching corps, led by Austin Wells’ offensive retreat.
Cashman has traded a lot of catching inventory in recent seasons, and it’s a tough area to upgrade in-season, though the Yanks are actively seeking a boost.
Key 2026 stats: In 44 games, a .933 OPS. In 51 plate appearances with runners in scoring position, .350 batting average, 1.221 OPS.
A free agent at season’s end, Jeffers would be an ideal addition – if the Twins are selling.
Minnesota could further benefit by waiting to get the best possible bid for the 29-year-old with ties to Yanks’ catching coordinator Tanner Swanson, formerly in the Twins organization.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJeffers returned to the lineup on July 10, after missing nearly two months due to fractured left hamate bone.
Price tags on controllable All-Stars Shea Langeliers (Athletics, .830 OPS) and Hunter Goodman (Rockies, .890 OPS) would be enormous, if they’re even available.
Any remote chance of a reunion with Kyle Higashioka probably ended completely this week, as the Rangers receiver landed on the injury list with a right flexor strain.
A more realistic target is the Reds’ Tyler Stephenson, a pending free agent who has batted .313 with an .850 OPS over his last 35 games (124 PA).
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Assessing Yankees' biggest needs ahead of MLB trade deadline
Story byThe Bergen RecordWish list candidate: Mason Miller
Wish list candidate: Ryan Jeffers