Club Needs
Though Cashman mentioned free-agent starter Michael King among the early calls he’s made, the primary focus appears to be in the bullpen. That group was uneven this past season, and free agency has already pulled Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to the open market.
New York's bullpen pitched to a 4.37 ERA, ranking 11th in the 15-team American League -- hardly what the Yankees envisioned after importing Williams and his celebrated "Airbender" changeup. The Yanks attempted to patch the 'pen on the fly, acquiring David Bednar and Camilo Doval, among others. Bednar was solid, posting a 2.19 ERA and 10 saves in 22 games, while Doval is a high-upside project.
The Yanks have voiced interest in re-signing Cody Bellinger, valued for his athleticism and versatility, though he’ll have no shortage of suitors coming off a strong season. They’ve also touched base with the representatives for Kyle Tucker, rating Bellinger and Tucker as the best available free-agent outfielders.
Infield help could be on the radar with Anthony Volpe set to miss the start of the season; as currently built, they’d have José Caballero or Oswaldo Cabrera as the Opening Day shortstop.
Potential Trade Candidates
Here’s a wild thought if the Yanks want to shake things up: Jazz Chisholm Jr. is entering his final season before free agency, and they’ve been lukewarm toward the suggestion of a contract extension. Coming off a season in which he belted 31 homers and stole 31 bases, Chisholm could bring a significant return.
A more realistic path could involve Jasson Domínguez or Spencer Jones, depending on how their pursuits of Bellinger and/or Tucker work out. Domínguez hardly played during the second half of last season, and no one benefits from having him ride the pine again.
It’s a similar story with Jones, who hit 35 homers with a .933 OPS last year in the Minors. There’s still swing-and-miss in his game (179 strikeouts in 438 at-bats), but Cashman admitted Jones would’ve already made his debut if he was with another organization.
