The New York Yankees are heading towards the 2026 MLB trade deadline as clear buyers, and with a wide-open American League, they could be major spenders as well.
Under two weeks to go until the MLB trade deadline on August 3, the Yankees have a few different needs worth addressing. Catcher, bullpen, infield, right-handed hitting outfield, and maybe another starter could all be options for the Yankees this summer.
At this year’s deadline, Mike Axisa of CBS Sports is predicting that the Yankees will swing five trades, upgrading four different roster spots in a massive deadline for the Yankees in pursuit of a return trip to the World Series.
Yankees predicted to swing five trades at four positions by MLB deadline
“The Yankees will make at least five trades,” Axisa predicts. “They’ll bring in a catcher, two relievers, a bench guy, and something else entirely. A busy deadline in New York is comin’.”
This trade deadline prediction for the Yankees does make a lot of sense. Brian Cashman and the Yankees are surely going to consider making multiple trades this summer.
If the right deals materialize, it wouldn’t be a total shocker if the Yankees wound up trading for five players by the trade deadline. If they do, catcher and bullpen upgrades would surely be addressed.
Whether it’s Ryan Jeffers, Hunter Goodman, Shea Langeliers, or Tyler Stephenson at catcher, some upgrade needs to be made over Austin Wells.
In the bullpen, Mason Miller would be the dream, but Jason Adam, Adrian Morejon, Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter, Antonio Senzatela, and maybe even a reunion with Luke Weaver could make a lot of sense.
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But what about the other two upgrades? Adding a bench guy would ideally come in the form of a versatile option who could play multiple positions, similar to their Jose Cabellero trade last summer.
And lastly, what about that other spot Axisa is predicting the Yankees will add? That could be another starting pitcher with some concerns about Carlos Rodon’s return, or it could be a right-handed hitting outfielder with Aaron Judge injury recovery concerns.
While it doesn’t have to be a blockbuster addition, one more starter who could eventually move to the bullpen for the postseason, or a righty-hitting outfielder who’d make for some good depth, would make a lot of sense for the Yankees at the deadline.
Axisa is predicting the Yankees will swing five trades at this year’s deadline, upgrading their catcher spot, adding two relievers, finding a new bench bat, and making one for wild card addition. It’s not unrealistic, as Cashman is likely to get busy by August 3.