The New York Yankees are coming off a season that ended in disappointment with a World Series loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. As they aim to reclaim baseball’s biggest prize, the team must make significant changes. Here are five blockbuster moves the Yanks should consider this offseason to enhance their chances in 2025.
1. Re-Sign Tommy Kahnle
Tommy Kahnle has been a key part of the Yankees’ bullpen with his ability to handle high-leverage situations. Re-signing him is crucial to maintaining the depth and effectiveness of their relief corps. Kahnle’s fastball-changeup combination has proven invaluable, and with arms like Clay Holmes and Michael King already anchoring the bullpen, retaining Kahnle ensures the Yanks remain one of the most formidable late-game teams in MLB.
2. Court Juan Soto
Juan Soto is one of the most coveted free agents on the market, and the Yankees should go all-in on acquiring him. Soto’s bat would be transformative in a lineup already featuring Aaron Judge, providing another MVP-caliber player who can deliver in critical moments. While the Yankees face stiff competition for Soto, his elite plate discipline and power make him worth the investment. His addition would not only boost their offense but also solidify the Bombers as perennial World Series contenders.
3. Trade DJ LeMahieu
While DJ LeMahieu has been a versatile asset for the Yankees, his production has declined due to injuries and age. Trading LeMahieu could free up payroll and create roster flexibility for younger talent like Caleb Durbin or external acquisitions. Packaging LeMahieu in a deal for prospects or bullpen help would benefit both parties, allowing DJ to reset his career elsewhere while the Yanks streamline their roster.
4. Trim Marcus Stroman from the Rotation
After acquiring Marcus Stroman midseason, the Yankees may now consider moving on. While Stroman is a reliable ground-ball pitcher, his fit in a strikeout-heavy rotation has been questionable. The team could look to trade Stroman for assets that better align with their needs, such as middle infield depth or bullpen reinforcements. With Luis Gil’s emergence and Clarke Schmidt’s development, the club can afford to shed Stroman’s salary and allocate resources elsewhere.
5. Trade Jazz Chisholm Jr.
The Yankees acquired Jazz Chisholm Jr. to inject speed and flair into their lineup, but trading him could unlock new opportunities. While his dynamic playstyle has undeniable value, Chisholm’s high strikeout rate and streaky performance have been concerns. Trading him could bring back a significant return, perhaps in the form of a top-tier starting pitcher or prospects. The move would also create space for infielders like Caleb Durbin or potential free-agent signings to step into the lineup.
In conclusion, the Yankees are at a crossroads this offseason. While their roster boasts elite talent, these five moves could address lingering issues and elevate the team to the next level. By retaining key players like Kahnle, aggressively pursuing Soto, and making strategic trades involving LeMahieu, Stroman, and Chisholm, the Yankees can retool for another deep postseason run in 2025. It’s a bold strategy, but bold moves are what the Bronx Bombers thrive on.
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