Yankees Monitoring Cy Young Winner as Trade Target, Insider Reports

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Jun 25, 2025 10:02 AM ET

The Yankees are watching the market, and according to Bob Nightengale, they’ve got their eyes on several key pieces.

In his Wednesday column for USA Today, Nightengale reports that New York is actively exploring upgrades in the infield and bullpen, while also keeping tabs on a possible ace-level addition. The front office knows it needs more production at third or second base and isn’t banking on any miracles from rivals.

There’s “0% chance,” Nightengale wrote, that the Red Sox would help the Yankees by trading them Alex Bregman. Instead, the Yankees are keeping a close eye on Eugenio Suarez of the Arizona Diamondbacks and Pittsburgh’s Isiah Kiner-Falefa, either of whom could allow Jazz Chisholm Jr. to shift back to his natural spot at second base. Suarez will be the top third baseman available on the market, but Kiner-Falefa, who was a polarizing player when he played for the Yankees, could be more attractive. Because he could also back up Anthony Volpe at shortstop, the Yankees could cut ties with Oswald Peraza and save a roster spot.

That flexibility matters.

The bullpen could also use reinforcements, Nightingale wrote.

Devin Williams and Luke Weaver have held down late-inning duties, but the Yankees would like one more trustworthy arm. Boone’s has had to get creative with middle relief, and it’s a thin margin to ride in October.

Then there’s the big swing. Nightengale reports New York could make a run at Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins’ ace and former Cy Young winner. It’s an ambitious target, one that will cost the Yankees a top prospect like George Lombard, Jr. or Spencer Jones. But it shows the Yankees are thinking long-term as Alcatara is signed through 2026 with a club option for 2027. Imagine a rotation of Alcantara, Gerrit Cole and Max Fried in the playoffs.

Nightingale said the American League is wide open, and he believes the Yankees intend to go for it.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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