The New York Yankees are one step closer to finalizing their 2025 roster.
Since Tuesday, they have traded for Cody Bellinger, acquired Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson from Cincinnati and most recently added Paul Goldschmidt to play first base.
Now, the Yankees look to add the final pieces. Looking at the current roster, there are two positions that stick out as needs: backup catcher and bullpen help.
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Even though Brian Cashman acquired Alex Jackson from Cincinnati, he’s not someone you want backing up Austin Wells. He’s 28 years old and owns a .132 career batting average. Jackson is nothing more than Triple-A depth.
There are a few options available in free agency for the Yankees in James McCann and Yasmani Grandal. While Elias Diaz is still available, his price tag far exceeds backup catcher money. Both McCann and Grandal would cost the Yankees less than $3 million.
On the other hand, the reliever market has a lot more options available. Only a small handful of relievers have market values over $7 million, so the Yankees would have their choice of who they want to sign.
To get the most value for the dollar (based on 2024 WAR), the Yankees would be looking at Kirby Yates, Jeff Hoffman or David Robertson. However, there are big names still sitting on the market such as Kenley Jansen, Tanner Scott and Ryan Pressly.
The value deals are important to note because the Yankees were $61 million over the 2024 luxury tax before signing Goldschmidt. While a new number hasn’t been revealed with Goldschmidt, it’s unclear just how much more the Yankees are willing to spend.
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