The New York Yankees, in their ongoing quest to solidify their 2025 roster, have made significant strides with a flurry of acquisitions. Recent trades have brought in Cody Bellinger to bolster the outfield, while Fernando Cruz and Alex Jackson arrived from Cincinnati. The most impactful move, however, was securing first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, a perennial All-Star and a cornerstone of any lineup. These additions address key areas of need for the Yankees, but the front office isn’t done yet. Despite these moves, two positions remain glaring areas for improvement: backup catcher and bullpen depth. These are the final pieces of the puzzle that the Yankees will be focusing on as they prepare for the 2025 season.
The current backup catcher situation presents a clear weakness. While Alex Jackson was part of the trade with Cincinnati, his career .132 batting average makes him a questionable choice to back up Austin Wells. Jackson is more likely destined for Triple-A duty than a significant role in the Bronx. This leaves the Yankees exploring other options, with the free-agent market offering potential solutions. James McCann and Yasmani Grandal stand out as viable candidates, both projected to command salaries under $3 million. While Elias Diaz remains available, his market value exceeds the typical backup catcher price range, making him a less attractive option for the Yankees. The front office will need to carefully weigh the experience and potential contributions of McCann and Grandal to determine the best fit for the backup catcher role.
The bullpen also needs bolstering, and thankfully, the reliever market presents a wide array of choices for the Yankees. The majority of available relievers have projected market values under $7 million, offering the Yankees significant flexibility in their pursuit of bullpen arms. Targeting high-value relievers will be crucial for the Yankees, given their current financial constraints. Based on projected 2024 WAR, Kirby Yates, Jeff Hoffman, and David Robertson emerge as cost-effective options, offering a balance of performance and affordability. However, the Yankees could also explore higher-profile relievers still on the market, such as Kenley Jansen, Tanner Scott, and Ryan Pressly. These established closers would undoubtedly strengthen the bullpen but would come at a higher cost.
The Yankees’ financial situation adds another layer of complexity to their roster construction. Before the Goldschmidt signing, they were already $61 million over the 2024 luxury tax threshold. While the exact financial impact of Goldschmidt’s contract hasn’t been publicly disclosed, it undoubtedly increases their tax burden. This financial reality underscores the importance of finding value deals in free agency, particularly for the backup catcher and bullpen positions. Balancing the need for talent with the desire to manage their luxury tax bill will be a delicate balancing act for the Yankees front office. The team’s willingness to spend further will heavily influence their ability to pursue top-tier relievers or settle for more budget-conscious options.
The strategic decisions facing the Yankees involve more than simply filling roster spots. It’s about constructing a team that can contend for a World Series title while navigating the complexities of the luxury tax. Finding the right balance between proven veterans and younger, less expensive players will be key to their success. The Yankees’ approach to free agency suggests a willingness to invest in established talent, as evidenced by the Goldschmidt acquisition. However, their financial constraints will likely necessitate a more measured approach to filling the remaining gaps on their roster. The pressure is on for the Yankees to make shrewd moves that maximize their on-field potential while managing their financial commitments.
Ultimately, the success of the Yankees’ 2025 season will hinge on the performance of their newly acquired players and the contributions of their existing core. Building a championship-caliber team requires a combination of star power, depth, and effective team chemistry. The Yankees have made significant progress towards achieving this goal with their recent acquisitions, but the work is far from over. The final pieces of the puzzle, specifically the backup catcher and bullpen reinforcements, will play a crucial role in determining whether the Yankees can live up to their championship aspirations. Their ability to find value in the remaining free-agent market will be a testament to their front office’s strategic acumen and will ultimately shape their chances of competing for a World Series title in 2025.
