Potential Trade Targets for the New York Yankees at the Trade Deadline
- Barry Jordan
- Jul 16
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 17
With the 2026 MLB trade deadline approaching on August 3, the Yankees are clearly in "buy" mode. General Manager Brian Cashman has a few key priorities, specifically shoring up the bullpen and finding an upgrade behind the plate, all while managing the ripple effects of Aaron Judge’s injury. Based on the current trade landscape, here is a look at who the Yankees are being linked to and what the market looks like for them.
Priority #1: Catcher
This has been the most consistent focus for the Yankees, as the team has struggled to get consistent offensive production from the catcher position this season.
Ryan Jeffers (C - Twins) & Hunter Goodman (C - Rockies): These have been the top names linked to the Bronx. However, reports suggest both might be difficult to acquire. The Twins are holding onto Jeffers while they remain in the AL Wild Card race, and the Rockies are reportedly reluctant to move the young, controllable Goodman.
Jonah Heim (C - Athletics): With Jeffers and Goodman potentially staying put, Heim has emerged as a logical alternative. He is a veteran switch-hitter with solid defensive credentials, making him a pragmatic target if Cashman needs to pivot away from his "dream" targets.
Priority #2: Starting Pitching & Bullpen
While the rotation is strong when healthy, depth remains a concern with some starters dealing with injuries or inconsistency.
Tarik Skubal (SP - Tigers): He is the crown jewel of the trade market. Acquiring him would give the Yankees arguably the best rotation in baseball, but the cost—likely involving top prospects like Spencer Jones—would be massive.
Bullpen Help: The Yankees are looking for "swing-and-miss" stuff to solidify the back end of the bullpen. Names like the Diamondbacks' Morillo have been highlighted for their strong underlying metrics (high strikeout rates and ground ball percentages), which would provide much-needed support for high-leverage situations.
Priority #3: Infield Depth
Luis Arraez (2B – Giants): Arraez has become one of the most popular trade targets in the league. The Yankees are viewed as a top fit because they need a reliable contact hitter who doesn't strike out, which helps balance out a lineup that can be prone to swings and misses. While there's a potential roster overlap with Jazz Chisholm Jr., Arraez’s versatility and high OPS+ make him a valuable asset for a postseason push.
Matt Chapman (3B – Giants): While he was briefly discussed as a potential target for the left side of the infield, recent reports suggest that a trade is not currently on the radar for his camp.
Isaac Paredes (3B – Astros): If the underperforming Astros (.500 or below) decide to act as sellers at this deadline, Paredes immediately becomes one of the most attractive third-base options on the market.
The "Big Picture" Reality at the Trade Deadline
The Yankees' deadline strategy is complicated by the injury status of Aaron Judge. While the team is playing well, the uncertainty of when Judge will return at full strength means they can't just treat his eventual comeback as their "big move." They are likely looking for a balanced approach: adding a high-impact player if the right deal appears, but also ensuring they have enough depth to bridge the gap in the lineup while their stars get healthy.
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