Three Yankees Who Could Be Traded This Offseason

With Spencer Jones emerging as the Yankees’ long-term center-field solution, there is now a plethora of quality outfielders in the system. With Judge, Bellinger, Jones, and Ramos all established big leaguers, Dominguez could find himself deemed surplus to requirements.

He still holds immense trade value simply because of his young age and the raw tools he possesses. There is still a strong chance he becomes a very good big-league player, but it looks like that might have to happen somewhere other than the Bronx. He could easily become the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal.

Will Warren

Another player who could headline a return package is Will Warren, who has been a steady back-end starter for the Yankees since making his debut. He posted a 3.92 ERA across 32 starts this year, striking out 158 hitters in 156 innings.

The 27-year-old has been a constant in the rotation, staying healthy and taking the ball every five days. Those types of players are incredibly valuable across a 162-game season, and Warren will have his fair share of suitors. His profile is still incomplete, and teams could view his raw stuff as a sign that there may still be more potential to unlock.

It could become a situation where Warren, similar to Dominguez, is deemed expendable if the right opportunity comes along. With a starting rotation of Schlittler, Fried, Cole, Rodon, and Weathers already penciled in, along with young Elmer Rodriguez knocking on the door, there simply may not be room for Warren in the rotation. While he performed admirably out of the bullpen when needed this season, he clearly profiles more as a starter, and the Yankees may look to cash in while his value is high.

Ben Hess

Currently ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the Yankees’ system, the 24-year-old Ben Hess is an incredibly enticing young player. He features a fastball in the upper 90s to go along with two plus breaking balls in his curveball and slider. He has also flashed a developing changeup.

Hess, who was drafted in the first round in 2024, had a terrific debut season last year, posting a 3.22 ERA across 22 starts while striking out 139 hitters in 103.1 innings. His 2026 campaign was marred by forearm and elbow inflammation, limiting him to just 16 starts with Double-A Somerset. His strikeout numbers remained strong, but his walk rate shot up, ballooning his ERA to 4.45.

Even so, the Alabama alumnus is exactly the type of pitching prospect teams will target in return packages. With a big frame, a firm fastball, and good breaking balls, Hess has all the makings of a developing front-end starter. The Yankees would love to keep him, but they’ve shown a willingness to part with blue-chip prospects to improve the major-league roster when necessary.

End of My Yankees Rant

The Yankees have some serious questions to answer regarding the roster for next season. Brian Cashman will look to completely restructure what was a disastrous infield, and other areas of the roster will be explored as well. Fans may have to part ways with favorites, prospects, and others this winter.

Even with the impending lockout, the next few months are still shaping up to be eventful as the Yankees look to retool and go again in 2027. To make that happen, these players may have to make way for potential improvements.