MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: The Yankees’ re-signing of Cody Bellinger fills a hole in left field and the heart of the batting order. But, with general manager Brian Cashman expected to take over a roster remarkably similar to the one that folded in the ALDS last season, will they do more? Pitching appears to be the clearest area of need, but top targets like MacKenzie Gore and Freddy Peralta are now off the table, and acquisitions of Tarik Skubal and Sandy Alcantara look increasingly unlikely.
One option would be to move Jasson Domínguez or Spencer Jones — two outfielders without a clear path to playing time on the current roster — for help in the bullpen. With Bellinger and center fielder Trent Grisham both on the left side, New York has also been linked to right-handed free fielders Austin Hays and Harrison Bader, although the limited potential playing time would admittedly be a drawback. And, with the team’s top three catching options (Austin Wells, JC Escara and Ben Rice) all also left-handed, a right-handed catcher could be in play, although Cashman calls that possibility “probably a less realistic option” due to the lack of options on the market.
Advertisement
ESPN: ESPN reporter Jorge Castillo agrees with Hoch’s take on Domínguez, predicting he will be traded before spring training. While Martian’s speed and bat from the left side of the plate make him a viable bench option, his defensive struggles and inability to hit lefties could make him replaceable. Castillo sees bullpen help or a right-handed hitter at catcher or the outfield as areas the club could look to improve by trading the former top prospect. The most likely outcome is that Domínguez likely remains at depth unless the Yankees find the right deal, as they might be happy to have a legitimate starter on the field if someone hurts their hamstring or worse in spring training.
MLB Trade Rumors | Darragh McDonald: The Yankees claimed center fielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Dodgers, the team announced Friday. Call it a darkly funny twist, as the Dodgers had to move on from Siani after signing Kyle Tucker to his mega-deal. In 383 plate appearances with the Reds and Cardinals over the past four seasons, Siani, 26, posted an OPS of just .547 but showed stellar defense, including recording 16 defensive runs saved in 2024, second in MLB among center fielders. Look for him at Triple-A Scranton as depth if he stays with the organization until April.
To make room for Siani on their 40-man roster, the Yankees designated reliever Kaleb Ort for assignment. Claimed by the Yankees in January (five years after being lost by New York to Boston in the Rule 5 draft), Ort posted a 4.89 ERA in 46 innings with Houston last season.
