The Yankees’ offseason so far? Let’s just say it hasn’t exactly lit up the Bronx skyline.
While other contenders have been making noise-big trades, splashy signings, and bold roster moves-the Yankees have mostly been quiet. Sure, they’ve brought back a few familiar faces: Trent Grisham, Ryan Yarbrough, Tim Hill, and Amed Rosario.
And yes, there’s been a steady trickle of minor-league deals. But for a team that came into the winter with high expectations and clear areas for improvement, it’s been a surprisingly muted start.
This isn’t typically how the Yankees operate. When you’re a franchise with championship aspirations-and the payroll to back it up-you don’t usually sit on the sidelines while teams like the Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Tigers, Mariners, and Braves are all making moves that, on paper, look like they could shift the balance of power.
So what’s going on in the Bronx? Let’s break down the latest on a few key names linked to the Yankees in free agency and trade rumors.
Michael King: Reunion in the Works?
Of all the names floating around the Yankees’ orbit, Michael King might be the most realistic-and the most sensible. Reports suggest the Yankees, Red Sox, and Orioles are in the mix for the right-hander, with Baltimore potentially needing to outbid their division rivals to land him. That’s a notable wrinkle, considering the Yankees have been tied to King since the trade deadline and know exactly what he brings to the table.
King checks a lot of boxes for New York. He’s familiar with the organization, he’s not going to command a nine-figure deal, and he fits a rotation that already has top-tier talent but could use depth and reliability.
A deal in the range of three years and $60 million feels plausible. And if it comes down to a bidding war with Boston?
Well, recent history suggests the Yankees are more willing to open the checkbook than a Red Sox front office that’s been trending toward cost-cutting since 2018.
Cody Bellinger: The Waiting Game Continues
The Yankees have long been linked to Cody Bellinger, but so far, it’s been all quiet on that front. The latest twist?
The San Francisco Giants have reportedly “checked in” on the former MVP. That doesn’t mean much yet-but it’s a sign that Bellinger’s market is still wide open.
The Dodgers, Mets, Phillies, Blue Jays, and Tigers have all been mentioned as potential suitors at various points, but no one has taken the plunge. And that’s not surprising.
Bellinger is a Scott Boras client, which means this is likely to be a drawn-out negotiation. The Yankees, for their part, aren’t going to blink first.
They’ll wait as long as it takes, and if the price comes down-or if the fit becomes too obvious to ignore-they’ll be ready.
Tatsuya Imai: A Wild Card from Japan
This one’s interesting. Multiple Japanese outlets have reported that the Yankees are making a serious push for right-hander Tatsuya Imai. How reliable those reports are remains to be seen, but we do know that Boras represents Imai and has reportedly spoken with Brian Cashman about several clients.
Imai is expected to command a sizable deal-$150 million or more, plus a posting fee-which makes this a high-stakes pursuit. Publicly, the Yankees have said they’re comfortable with their rotation and don’t necessarily need another frontline arm.
But that could be posturing. After all, you can never have too much starting pitching, especially with the uncertainty that tends to come with a 162-game grind.
If the Yankees are serious about Imai, it would be a major swing. And while it might not address their biggest need-a more consistent offense-it would give them one of the deepest rotations in baseball.
JoJo Romero: A Bullpen Boost via Trade?
Here’s a name that might not jump off the page, but makes a lot of sense: JoJo Romero. The lefty reliever from the Cardinals doesn’t give up home runs-a valuable trait in Yankee Stadium-and he’s under team control for one more season, with a projected salary around $4.5 million.
The Yankees are reportedly interested in a trade, and given the Cardinals’ current rebuild, Romero could be a logical piece to move. He’d slot in nicely alongside Tim Hill in a bullpen that could use some stability from the left side. And considering how little we’ve heard about the Yankees’ interest in free agent relievers, this could be one of their more realistic paths to improving the bullpen without breaking the bank.
Where Do the Yankees Go From Here?
So far, the Yankees’ offseason has been more about patience than fireworks. But that doesn’t mean they’re done. Whether it’s a reunion with Michael King, a late push for Bellinger, a surprise signing like Imai, or a savvy bullpen trade, there are still plenty of ways for Brian Cashman to reshape this roster.
The question isn’t whether the Yankees will make a move-it’s when. And with the rest of the league already making headlines, the clock is ticking in the Bronx.