YANKEES’ OFFSEASON OVERHAUL CONTINUES: LATEST UPDATES ON FREE AGENCY AND TRADE RUMORS
The New York Yankees have been making waves this offseason, and the latest news is no exception. As the team continues to reshape its roster, here are the latest updates on free agency and trade rumors:
The Yankees are reportedly discussing a trade with the Padres for three-time batting champion Luis Arraez. The move would fill the second-base void left by Gleyber Torres, who signed with the Tigers in free agency. However, the deal is still in the works, and MLB Network insider Jon Paul Morosi notes that it’s “a possibility but not at all something that is close [to happening].”
Arraez would be a significant addition to the Yankees’ lineup, bringing a consistent bat and a strong on-base percentage. The 26-year-old infielder has a career batting average of .316 and has won three batting titles in his young career.
Meanwhile, the Yankees are also exploring other options to upgrade their infield. The team has been linked to free agent Alex Bregman and trade candidate Nolan Arenado, but MLB Network insider Joel Sherman believes neither player will end up in pinstripes.
“I never put anything at zero percent, [but] I will say this entire offseason, even when people were overheated on the Arenado thing … I couldn’t find anybody with the Yankees who would say, ‘Yeah, we’re interested in him,'” Sherman said on the Pinstripe Post podcast. “And so, I’ve gotta follow my reportorial instincts and my work, and nobody was pushing hard on that.”
Instead, the team may turn to internal options like DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera, or Oswald Peraza. LeMahieu, in particular, could be a viable option at third base, where he has played extensively in the past.
The Yankees have also been busy on the pitching front, signing starter Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract earlier this offseason. However, the team’s rotation is already stacked, which has made Marcus Stroman the odd man out.
The Yankees are “actively trying to deal” the 33-year-old right-hander, according to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale. Stroman is owed $18.5 million in the final year of his contract, which could make him a tough sell.
Stroman’s performance has been inconsistent in recent years, and he struggled down the stretch in 2024. However, he has shown flashes of brilliance in the past and could be an attractive option for teams looking for a veteran starter.
Finally, the Yankees had an in-person meeting with Japanese starting pitcher Roki Sasaki, who was posted by his NPB team earlier this month. The 23-year-old flamethrower is one of the most sought-after starting pitchers available this winter, and the Yankees are likely to face stiff competition from other teams.
Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, said that MLB teams’ meetings with Sasaki would likely begin this week and continue after the holidays in the teams’ respective cities. The Dodgers and Padres have been considered favorites to land Sasaki, but many other teams, including the Yankees, will be making their pitch.
As the offseason continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the Yankees are committed to making significant changes to their roster. Whether it’s through free agency, trades, or internal promotions, the team is determined to build a championship-caliber roster. Stay tuned for more updates on the Yankees’ offseason overhaul!
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