Report: Yankees 'On The Hunt' For Another Upgrade Other Than Pitching

March 12, 2025

The New York Yankees are searching for a right-handed bat to bolster their lineup as injuries continue to mount ahead of the regular season. 

Giancarlo Stanton’s elbow concerns and DJ LeMahieu’s calf strain have left the team without two key veterans, while third base and second base remain areas of uncertainty despite Jazz Chisholm Jr.'s ability to play either position. 

With limited internal options, non-roster invitee Dominic Smith has positioned himself as a potential addition after a strong spring, but the Yankees are still exploring external moves to add depth. 

"They’re on the hunt," reported Bill Madden of the New York Daily News, though it remains unclear which specific players GM Brian Cashman is targeting.

The Yankees recently optioned 23-year-old outfielder Everson Pereira to Triple-A despite an impressive spring, where he hit .350 with two home runs. While Pereira remains a potential in-season call-up, concerns over his high strikeout rate and past injuries may have factored into the decision. 

The free agent market offers few impactful options, with Whit Merrifield, Adam Duvall, and Robbie Grossman all coming off down seasons. The team has had discussions with J.D. Martinez, but his DH-only profile creates a logjam with Stanton, making him a difficult fit unless Stanton’s injury lingers. 

"The market will shift in the coming weeks," noted SNY’s Andy Martino, pointing to potential trade opportunities or late-spring roster cuts as sources for right-handed hitting depth.

With Opening Day approaching, a trade could be the Yankees’ best path to securing a reliable bat. 

Speculation has linked them to Nolan Arenado, but there’s no indication that St. Louis is willing to move him, nor that New York is actively pursuing him. 

If Cashman does pull off a trade, it may come as a surprise given the lack of obvious candidates.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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