The New York Yankees may be riding high with one of the best records in the American League, but the front office isn’t resting on its early-season success. As the team continues to dominate statistically—boasting the top on-base percentage (.346), most home runs (86), and highest OPS (.823) in Major League Baseball—they’re reportedly on the hunt for a specific upgrade to solidify their World Series push.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Yankees are “aggressively searching” for a right-handed bat, specifically at third base. While their offense has been among the league’s elite, the organization sees room for improvement—especially from the right side of the plate—to provide more balance and production in high-leverage matchups.
Targeting a Right-Handed Third Baseman
The Yankees’ pursuit is laser-focused: a right-handed hitting third baseman who can both complement the current lineup and elevate its postseason potential. However, the trade market presents challenges. Options like Colorado’s Ryan McMahon, long admired by the Yankees, don’t fit the bill due to being left-handed. Meanwhile, Ke’Bryan Hayes of the Pirates, a righty, has underwhelmed with a .580 OPS this season and hasn’t shown sustained offensive consistency over his career.
Other teams, like the Chicago White Sox and St. Louis Cardinals, may be willing sellers, but they don’t currently offer standout fits. Nolan Arenado, once considered one of the game’s top third basemen, is enduring a down year with a .698 OPS and doesn’t appear to be drawing serious trade interest.
Pitching Help Also on the Radar
While a right-handed third baseman remains priority No. 1, the Yankees are also monitoring the starting pitcher market. Several big names could become available, including Miami’s Sandy Alcantara, Milwaukee’s Freddy Peralta, and Minnesota’s Pablo López. Any one of them would provide a major boost to a Yankees rotation already anchored by aces like Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón.
What It Means Moving Forward
The Yankees’ aggressive approach signals a clear message: they’re going all-in for 2025. With the trade deadline looming and New York already one of the most complete teams in baseball, even marginal upgrades—particularly from the right side of the plate—could make the difference in October.
General manager Brian Cashman and his staff will likely continue scouring the league for both overlooked bats and high-upside arms. Whether they land the ideal third baseman or pivot to strengthen elsewhere, it’s clear that the Yankees are operating with championship urgency this summer.
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