Three areas the Yankees need to improve at the 2026 trade deadline

The New York Yankees are watching the AL East title rapidly slip away.

The Yankees had appeared to be a juggernaut in the American League, leading the league in a slew of batting and pitching categories. A week later, the Yankees will enter Friday on a seven-game losing streak.

While the Yankees still hold a playoff berth, just reaching the postseason is not enough. Success is measured in championships, and the Yankees have not won the World Series since 2009. 

The Yankees have a lot of pressure heading into the Aug. 3 trade deadline. Let's look at three areas the Yankees could target in the coming weeks.

New York Yankees' biggest needs at the trade deadline

1. Find a viable catcher

Austin Wells appeared set to carry on the Yankees history of having stellar options behind the plate. He posted a .229/.322/.395 batting line in his 414 plate appearances as a rookie in 2024, hitting 13 homers and 18 doubles. While his production slipped in 2025, he still hit 21 homers and his 94 OPS+ was acceptable for a catcher.

This season has been different. Wells has a dreadful .153/.253/.235 batting line in his 194 plate appearances with four homers and two doubles. He has made some difference defensively as Yankee catchers, saving four runs behind the plate while the Yankees rank 17th in the majors with six runs saved. Backup options Ali Sanchez and J.P. Escarra are not the answer. The Yankees need to find a way to upgrade what has become a black hole in the lineup.

2. Upgrade the bullpen

The Yankees may have had a potential internal bullpen upgrade. Top pitching prospect Carlos Lagrange was moved to the bullpen in Triple-A on June 2 with the idea that he could get his electric fastball and plus  slider to the majors sooner. However, Lagrange was placed on the injured list on Thursday by the RailRiders following an implosion in his last outing.

Even if Lagrange avoids serious injury, the bullpen remains an area of concern. While Brent Headrick and Fernando Cruz have been excellent as setup men for closer David Bednar, the rest of the bullpen has not established themselves as viable options. It would not be a surprise to see the Yankees add a reliever or two to stabilize their bullpen.

3. Look for a third baseman — again

The Yankees acquired infielder Ryan McMahon at the 2025 trade deadline as they looked to improve at the hot corner. While he struggled offensively, McMahon dazzled with the glove, saving seven runs defensively in only 54 games. That has not been the case in 2026. He has cost the Yankees one run defensively while posting a .210/.269/.360 batting line with eight homers and four doubles in 202 plate appearances.

In theory, McMahon, and Wells for that matter, are in the lineup due to their defensive value. McMahon, however, is not performing on either side of the ball. His defensive versatility could make him a viable utility option going forward, but the Yankees may be looking to upgrade at third base for the second consecutive year.