With a league-best 46 wins, the New York Yankees have firmly positioned themselves as “buyers” as the trade deadline nears next month.
Initially, Fangraphs gave the Yankees a 72% chance of making the playoffs and a 6.9% chance of winning the World Series at the start of the season. Those odds have now soared to 99.7% and 15%, respectively, due largely to an unexpectedly strong starting rotation without Gerrit Cole and a predictable MVP-level performance by Juan Soto.
To capitalize on these heightened expectations, the team is likely to seek midseason roster enhancements. As Anthony Rizzo and Gleyber Torres—who together are earning $31.2 million in crucial contract years—struggle to meet expectations, General Manager Brian Cashman will have clear targets for improvement.
Rizzo has been in a slump, hitting .192/.250/.264 since May began, leading to him being benched for the final game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. DJ LeMahieu took over at first base, with Oswaldo Cabrera starting at third, showcasing potential infield flexibility that the Yankees should utilize.
Rizzo is earning $17 million this season, with a $17 million club option or a $6 million buyout for 2025. Given his performance, picking up the option seems unlikely, despite his value as a clubhouse leader and close friend of Aaron Judge.
Not exercising the option could free up payroll for 2025, making room for Soto, who is expected to seek a long-term deal over $500 million in free agency. Owner Hal Steinbrenner has shown interest in keeping Soto long-term but criticized the team’s current payroll as unsustainable. Thus, the Yankees might renegotiate Rizzo’s contract for a cheaper deal or part ways. Torres, earning $14.2 million on a one-year deal and set to enter free agency, has also underperformed, hitting just .230/.304/.336 and showing a career-low .959 fielding percentage at second base. His play suggests he might benefit from a change, and the team seems unlikely to re-sign him.
Amid Rizzo’s and Torres’ struggles and an injury that sidelined LeMahieu until late May, the Yankees have been exploring infield flexibility. Cabrera has started at various positions, and the team acquired utility player Jon Berti early in the season. Anthony Volpe, a former Gold Glove shortstop, appears to be the only infielder assured of a starting role. LeMahieu, who has slashed .219/.359/.219 in his first 32 at bats, may find a permanent position at first base the best way to remain productive as he completes his six-year, $90 million contract. Cabrera, earning $783,000 this season with one more year before arbitration eligibility, offers valuable utility play, hitting .238/.278/.360. His versatility indicates that a well-priced addition at first, second, or third base could maintain the Yankees’ on-field success while freeing up payroll for Soto.
The Yankees’ dominance in pitching and outfield performance—leading MLB in ERA and saves—means top prospect Jasson Domínguez is unlikely to be called up barring injuries. Consequently, whether focusing on the postseason or future seasons, the Yankees should look to replace Rizzo and Torres before the trade deadline.