The story of the 2025 New York Yankees has been anything but predictable. Just a year ago, the Bronx Bombers watched their World Series dreams slip away in a tough loss to the Dodgers, leaving fans hungry for redemption. Now, as the summer heat builds and the MLB trade deadline looms, the Yankees find themselves at a crossroads—sitting atop the American League East, but still searching for the missing pieces that could turn a good season into a championship run. Inside the clubhouse, the sense of urgency is palpable.
Last year’s heartbreak has fueled the Yankees’ determination; the front office is ready to make aggressive moves. As though they’ve had a strong start to the season, it’s clear the club still has flaws. Interestingly, MLB insider Bob Nightengale claimed the Yankees will probably be short a batter and a pitcher by the trade deadline. A recent post on X, though still a rumor, has caught everyone’s attention and sparked a wave of trade speculations.
An X handle that goes by the username Rod revealed the Bronx’s front office’s agenda for the upcoming trade deadline. Via Nightengale, the post reveals considers the Yankees are aggressively looking for a right-handed batter who could play third base. But if you think that’s all, you’re mistaken. Nightengale also believes that the Yankees are looking to add a starting pitcher to their lineup.
The Yankees are aggressively in the market for a right-handed bat—ideally one who can handle third base, per Bob Nightengale.
He also notes that New York is exploring options to add another starting pitcher. pic.twitter.com/9K16uXsyBZ
— Rod (@theyankscenter) May 25, 2025
As surprising as Nightengale’s claims seem, they do make sense. If you follow the games, you might have noticed that the Yankees currently boast the highest wRC+, with Aaron Judge leading the way this season. But beyond that, the batting department lacks the extra spark needed for a deep playoff run. If we talk about Oswald Peraza, DJ LeMahieu, or Jorbit Vivas, who have been filling in after Oswaldo Cabrera was sidelined with an ankle injury, but none have produced much at the plate.
Peraza’s slash line is .172/.243/.328, or Vivas’ .167/.250/.528, both stats are rather dismal. Moreover, there are few right-handed batters who can play the infield well. Although Jazz Chisholm Jr. can play third base once he returns, he is a left-hander. So, it’s fair to say the Yankees are still on the hunt for the right fit.
But that’s not all! With Gerrit Cole out due to injury, Ryan Yarbrough and Will Warren are currently holding down the starting rotation. While Max Fried and Carlos Rodon are solid options, a pitching upgrade could make the Yankees a team no one wants to face.
Yankees eye Reds’ starter as trade deadline target
Now that the Yankees are said to be in the market, one name that stands out is Nick Martinez of the Cincinnati Reds. The 34-year-old is set to become a free agent at the end of this season. He signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Reds, followed by a one-year contract in 2024. But is he a good fit for the Yankees?
Martinez has excelled as a starter for the Reds with his unique ability to use six pitches quite effectively. He boasts of a 3.43 ERA in the regular season and an excellent 0.62 HR/9 this season. As Ryan Garcia of Empire Sports Media notes, “He doesn’t possess a power fastball or dominant strikeout stuff, but his command is brilliant, and the damage prevention is otherworldly.” Martinez has been effective even in hitter-friendly parks, so he could provide valuable depth for the Yankees.
As for right-handed bats, there’s no official news yet. However, the Yankees could target Otto Lopez of the Miami Marlins. He has been doing alright, as he is currently batting at a .221 average, with a .297 OBP and .625 OPS. Then there’s Lenyn Sosa of the Chicago White Sox, who slashed .283/.303/.708 and posted four home runs, too. And the final option is Amed Rosario of the Nationals, whose batting average is great (.303) with a .782 OPS.
But it’s important to remember that other teams will also be pursuing these players before the trade deadline. So, we’ll have to wait a little longer to see how the Yankees close the roster gap.
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