MLB.com | Bryan Hoch: The Yankees’ re-signing of Cody Bellinger fills a hole in left field and the heart of the batting order. But, with GM Brian Cashman slated to run back a remarkably similar roster to the one that folded in the ALDS last season, will they do more? Pitching seems the clearest area of need, but top targets like MacKenzie Gore and Freddy Peralta are now off the table, and acquisitions Tarik Skubal and Sandy Alcantara seem increasingly unlikely.
One option would be to move either Jasson Domínguez or Spencer Jones — two outfielders without a clear path to playing time on the current roster — for bullpen help. With Bellinger and center fielder Trent Grisham both batting from the left side, New York has also been linked to right-handed free agent outfielders Austin Hays and Harrison Bader, though the limited potential playing time would admittedly be a drawback. And, with the team’s three top catching options (Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra, and Ben Rice) all lefties as well, a righty catcher could be in play, though Cashman calls this possibility “probably less of a realistic option” due to the dearth of options on the market.
ESPN: ESPN reporter Jorge Castillo agrees with Hoch’s take on Domínguez, projecting him to be traded before spring training. While the Martian’s speed and bat from the left side of the plate make him a viable bench option, his defensive struggles and inability to hit lefties could make him expendable. Castillo posits bullpen help or a right-handed hitter at catcher or outfield as areas the club could look to upgrade by flipping the former top prospect. The most likely outcome still probably has Domínguez still sticking around as depth unless the Yankees find the right deal, as they might be glad to have a legitimate outfield starter in house if anyone pops a hamstring or worse in spring training.
MLB Trade Rumors | Darragh McDonald: The Yankees have claimed center fielder Michael Siani off waivers from the Dodgers, the team announced Friday. Call it a darkly amusing twist, as the Dodgers had to drop Siani upon signing Kyle Tucker to his megadeal. In 383 plate appearances with the Reds and Cardinals over the past four seasons, the 26-year-old Siani has posted an OPS of just .547 but flashed stellar defense, including registering 16 Defensive Runs Saved in 2024, second in MLB among center fielders. Look for him at Triple-A Scranton as depth if he sticks with the organization through April.
To make room for Siani on their 40-man roster, the Yankees designated reliever Kaleb Ort for assignment. Claimed by the Yankees in January (five years after being lost by New York to Boston in the Rule 5 Draft), Ort posted a 4.89 ERA in 46 innings with Houston last season.
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