The New York Yankees could explore the trade market to bolster their roster.
New York had a disappointing season, being eliminated by the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. The Yankees have some clear needs, and New York could look to make a blockbuster deal with the St. Louis Cardinals to fill some major needs.
Yankees analyst Jack Markowski of SI links New York to trading for Cardinals star players Brendan Donovan, Lars Nootbaar, and JoJo Romero.
“Beyond Donovan, the Cardinals have several players who would be enticing fits for the Yankees. Outfielder Lars Nootbaar falls under that category given New York’s need at the position,” Markowski wrote. “He had the worst offensive season of his career with a .686 OPS across 583 trips to the plate in 2025 before undergoing surgery on both of his heels to repair a Haglund’s deformity, which could keep him out through Opening Day. …
“On the pitching front, left-handed reliever JoJo Romero would make a ton of sense as a potential addition for New York. The 29-year-old is entering his final year of team control after logging a 2.07 ERA in 61 innings during the 2025 campaign, and he shouldn’t come at an extremely high price tag if St. Louis is willing to send him away. Trade talks should ramp up over the next few weeks leading into the Winter Meetings, and the Yankees should absolutely call up the Cardinals in hopes of finding common ground on a deal.”
The price tag to acquire all three would be high. But it’s the kind of move that the Yankees need to make if they are going to be a World Series contender in 2026.
How Would The Three Players Fit In With Yankees?
The trio of players from the Cardinals would all fill some major needs for the Yankees.
Donovan can bounce around the infield, as he can play third base, second base, and left field. He gives manager Aaron Boone some versatility to play anywhere and construct his lineup in different ways, as he can play multiple positions. It’s something the Blue Jays did so well, which the Yankees could look to mimic in 2026.
Nootbaar, meanwhile, could replace Cody Bellinger in the outfield if he does leave this offseason. Bellinger is a free agent and will have several teams linked to him. Nootbar hit .234 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs last season. Although the offense would take a hit, his defense over Bellinger would be an upgrade.
Romero, meanwhile, would be a high-leverage reliever for the Yankees. He also gives Boone another left-hander out of the bullpen, which is a need. He was 4-6 with a 2.07 ERA in 65 games last season, and the lefty would be an impact reliever for the Yankees.
Brian Cashman Believes New York is in a ‘Good Spot’
The Yankees haven’t done much this offseason, other than Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer.
Despite the Yankees not being too active this offseason, general manager Brian Cashman believes the team is in a good spot.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” Cashman said. “The job right now is to find out what’s available, and those all have different price points. There could be cheap players that are available that are good, or there could be very expensive players that are available that are good. It’s just cost of acquisition; the cheap ones would be in the trade market, clearly.”
The Yankees are looking to win their first World Series since 2009.
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