The Yankees have been busy this offseason, making moves that turn heads, but even after reloading their roster, they’re still missing one critical piece for their 2025 plans. They’ve built one of the best starting rotations in baseball, added power to the lineup, and secured a dominant closer. Yet, the infield remains a glaring area of concern, leaving a sense of incompleteness hovering over the Bronx.
Max Fried Bolsters the Rotation
Signing Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million deal was the first major domino to fall for the Yankees this offseason. Fried’s ability to keep runs off the board is unmatched outside of Gerrit Cole, giving the Yankees the two best run-prevention pitchers in the game.
In 2024, Fried posted a 3.25 ERA over 174.1 innings, proving once again that he’s as steady as they come. For a team that struggled with consistency on the mound last season, adding Fried was like putting an unmovable boulder at the top of the rotation.
Cody Bellinger Brings Lefty Power
The Yankees didn’t stop at the rotation. Cody Bellinger was brought in to add power and versatility to the lineup. While his 2024 campaign wasn’t jaw-dropping, hitting .266 with 18 home runs, 78 RBIs, and a .325 OBP, the Yankees are banking on a resurgence.
Playing in Yankee Stadium, a haven for left-handed hitters, could boost Bellinger’s 109 wRC+ closer to his 2023 form, where he logged a stellar 136 wRC+. With free agency looming in 2026, Bellinger has every incentive to put together a massive season, and the Yankees could be the perfect launching pad for that effort.
Devin Williams Locks Down the Ninth
The Yankees also made waves by trading for Devin Williams, a closer whose ERA defies logic. Over just 21.2 innings in 2024, Williams posted a 1.25 ERA, continuing his string of elite performances. He hasn’t recorded an ERA higher than 1.93 in the past three seasons, a testament to his consistency and dominance.
With Williams anchoring the bullpen, the Yankees now have a game-ending weapon that can slam the door shut, especially in high-pressure playoff situations.
Paul Goldschmidt Adds a Veteran Presence
Rounding out the Yankees’ offseason haul is Paul Goldschmidt, who signed a one-year, $12.5 million deal. Goldschmidt isn’t the MVP-level player he once was, but he still has plenty left in the tank to provide a steady bat in the middle of the order. The Yankees value his veteran leadership, and with Ben Rice developing as their first baseman of the future, Goldschmidt offers a perfect bridge year.
The Infield Problem
For all the moves they’ve made, the Yankees still lack a true solution in the infield. Rumors suggest DJ LeMahieu could get another shot to start, but banking on a player with declining athleticism and offensive production is a gamble that feels more like a Hail Mary than a winning strategy. The Yankees need another big bat, someone who can elevate the lineup and provide stability.
Brendan Donovan: The Dream Fit
The ideal fit for the Yankees is Brendan Donovan of the St. Louis Cardinals. Donovan brings versatility, a left-handed bat perfect for Yankee Stadium, and strong contact skills. He slashed .278/.342/.417 in 2024, along with stellar defensive versatility, making him a plug-and-play option at second or third base.
The Cardinals reportedly failed to reach a pre-arbitration contract extension with Donovan, signaling potential friction. If the Yankees can pounce, Donovan would be the type of acquisition that could push this roster over the top.
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Roki Sasaki’s Impact
The Yankees’ offseason plans could hinge on another domino falling: Roki Sasaki. If the Yankees land the Japanese phenom, they might feel comfortable trading a controllable pitcher like Clarke Schmidt to upgrade the infield. Sasaki’s decision, expected between January 15-23, could shape how Brian Cashman approaches the rest of the offseason. With the Yankees just one piece away from assembling a juggernaut, Sasaki’s arrival could unlock multiple avenues to complete the puzzle.
For now, the Yankees are waiting, watching, and preparing to strike when the time is right. They’ve done a lot, but they know there’s more work to be done to create a championship-caliber roster.