Players the Yankees should target at the trade deadline

After a strong 42-25 start, the New York Yankees have stumbled, losing nine of their last 12 games. Their offense has also failed to score more than three runs in nine of their last 13 contests. Despite this slump, ESPN Bet still favors them to win the American League at +225, though the Tigers and Astros have better records, and the Rays and Blue Jays are close behind in their division.

The Yankees haven't won a World Series since 2009, making five ALCS exits since then. Last year, they finally broke through to win the AL pennant but then lost to the Dodgers in five games in the World Series. The mentality for the Yankees is always to win now, and they are expected to be an active buyer at the 2025 MLB trade deadline.

Areas of concern

The Yankees' biggest offensive challenge is inconsistent production from players other than Aaron Judge, who leads the team with a .364 average. Paul Goldschmidt, at 37, is second in batting average and on-base percentage, but his June performance has been concerning (.147 average, two homers, six RBI) after a hot start, raising questions about his long-term durability.

Trent Grisham is second on the team with 15 home runs, but his .169 average in 19 career playoff games raises concerns, and Ben Rice, who is third in homers, is still in his first full MLB season. Then, both Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Giancarlo Stanton have battled injuries, with Stanton only making his season debut on June 16.

The starting rotation, anchored by Max Fried, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt, has been strong. However, both Rodón and Schmidt struggled in last year's postseason. While the bullpen looks solid on paper, its performance in high-pressure spots hasn't met expectations. The Yankees are 12-16 in one-run games and 1-6 in extra innings, worse than all their top AL competitors.

Players the Yankees should target

Infielders

• Eugenio Suárez, 3B, Diamondbacks: Suárez would be an exciting acquisition, bringing 25 homers and 67 RBI this season, and over 300 career home runs. He also boasts a .300 average and .810 OPS in eight playoff games, providing much-needed power and protection for Judge.
• Josh Naylor, 1B, Diamondbacks: If Arizona sells, Naylor makes sense. A left-handed bat who hit 31 homers last year, he offers power, average, and postseason experience. He's on a one-year deal and fits the Yankees' mold.
• Ryan McMahon, 3B, Rockies: McMahon provides elite defense, left-handed power, and a swing well-suited for Yankee Stadium. He's on track for his fifth consecutive 20+ homer season and would likely thrive outside of Colorado.

Relief pitchers

• Kyle Finnegan, RHP, Nationals: Finnegan has 106 career saves, including 18 this season. He has a career 2.5 K/BB ratio and excels at limiting hard contact. With one year left on his deal, the Nationals should be open to moving him.
• Jake Bird, RHP, Rockies: Bird is having a career year with a 2.06 ERA, 1.12 WHIP, and a 3.5 K/BB ratio. Under team control, Colorado should consider moving him while his value is high.
• Anthony Bender, RHP, Marlins: Bender could be a clever pickup. While his strikeout-to-walk ratio is a career low, he has 12 holds and has held right-handed batters to a .159 average. With the Marlins likely selling, he's a bullpen arm worth exploring.

The Yankees have the talent to contend, but cannot afford to get complacent. While on track for the postseason, the team's glaring weaknesses remain. Their passionate fan base won't tolerate settling for less than their rivals, especially another playoff exit at the hands of the Houston Astros.