When it comes to their holiday shopping, Yankees are much more patient than, say, a child eager for the hottest toy of the season. Although the Yankees still have a lot to do this winter, including retaining a key player, they have taken things slow, like a parent saying, “We’ll see” regarding a potential Christmas ornament.
The Yankees will make other additions. Of course they will. Some of their fans might be nervous since the rest of the AL East seems to have opened their presents early. But there are still plenty of targets for what the Yankees need, both in trade and free agency.
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If they need advice, we’re there for them, like a personal shopper for the hot holiday stove. With that in mind, here is our Yankees wish list for the remainder of the offseason.
It’s an easy question, like when your partner says, “Give me this” as a Christmas present and leads you to the shelves. Buy it, package it and deliver it on the appropriate date. Don’t think about it too much.
Bellinger can play all three outfield positions, plus first base. He’s a lefty who hit very well at Yankee Stadium last year (.909 OPS at home) and looked so comfortable it was like he’d been with the Yankees for years. It helps to know that someone can shine in New York. Bellinger can.
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If Ben Rice struggles defensively at first base, Bellinger can take over. If they need him to start left or center, no problem though Trent Grisham accepted the Yankees’ qualifying offer and appears centrally placed. Re-signing Bellinger would also give the Yankees trade chips either way. Jasson Dominguez or strike prospect Spencer Jones. Or both.
Bellinger is likely the tipping point for the rest of the Yankee offseason.
More pitches
Pitching is like cash gifts during the holidays. Who doesn’t want more? The Yankees have, on paper, a powerful rotation. But both Gerrit Cole And Carlos Rodon won’t be ready to start the year, so they may need help beyond Max Frit, Cam Schlittler, Luis GilAnd Will Warren. Due to injury last year, Gil only pitched 57 innings in the regular season; Schlittler, in his first MLB experience, threw 73.
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While the Blue Jays have added big to their rotation with Dylan Ceasethere are plenty of pitchers left who could help the Yankees, including those still available in free agency, like Framber Valdez And Ranger Suarez. However, both are premium types.
They could investigate the importation Tatsuya Imaia 27-year-old free agent who had a 1.92 ERA in Japan last season. Former Yankee Tyler Austin, who signed with the Cubs after six years playing in Japan, recently praised Imai, a right-hander, during an appearance on MLB Network Radio. And Imai probably pleases fans, considering he talked earlier this offseason about wanting to be a part of dethroning the Dodgers.
Or the Yankees could enter the trade market for MacKenzie Gorethe 26-year-old left-hander with the Nationals, or Freddy Peralta Brewers.
Or maybe they just need some type of mid-level stopgap. Earlier this winter we suggested Righty Tyler Mahlewho had a 2.18 ERA in 16 starts with the Rangers. He has only had one full season as a starter, when he made 33 starts for the Reds in 2021 and went 180 innings. But the Yankees may not need him to stockpile frames.
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In terms of relief, the Yankees are in need of a rebuild after ranking 23rd in reliever ERA (4.37) last year and walking too many opposing batters.
Several of their acquisitions at maturity were made under control, therefore closer David Bednar is back, just like Camilo Doval And Jake Bird. They re-signed Tim Hillwhich gives them a good left-handedness, and Fernando Cruz and its nasty separator remains in their enclosure.
But Devin Williams And Luke Weaver signed with the Mets as a free agent, so there’s room for more leverage weapons. In recent years, the Yankees have also been very good at pulling relievers from unheralded stock, so it’s possible they’ll find solid setup help that way again. Or maybe Pete Fairbanks, one of the best relief arms still available, can adapt.
October 8, 2025; Bronx, New York, United States; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) forces Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement (22) into a double play during the eighth inning during game four of the ALDS round for the 2025 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Choose a song on Jazz
Jazz Chisholm Jr.. had a solid 30-30 season and should be seated at second base at least this year. But he also received trade interest in his final season before free agency.
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Should the Yankees seek an extension with their athletic infielder, who brings much-needed verve and style to the roster, not to mention his abundant skillset? They don’t do expansions often and some recent ones have failed. Or should they flip Chisholm for a contact-oriented hitter to pair with their power?
Shortstop clarity?
This one might be far-fetched, even on a wish list, much like a teenager who just got their driver’s license and asks for a Corvette with a big bow on the roof as their main holiday gift. Anthony Volpe won’t be ready for the start of the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery, so any permanent move at the position will likely be postponed until he’s ready to compete. Jose Caballero will fulfill and, perhaps, make progress in the field of work.
But the Yankees still believe in Volpe, regardless of fans’ angst over his play or A-Rod’s cracks over their organizational hitting philosophy. Or at least say so. They won’t commit to anything until Volpe is healthy.
In other words: “We’ll see.”
