MLB Rumors: Yankees Still Looking to Make Another Addition

February 25, 2026
New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone reacts during 2026 Spring Training.

Spring training is underway, but the New York Yankees aren’t treating their roster like it’s finished. 

Multiple reports indicate the club is still open to adding a right-handed platoon bat, specifically an outfielder or catcher, as they try to balance a lineup that currently leans heavily left-handed.

Yankees Seek Right-Handed Bat to Fix Lineup Balance

The Yankees’ projected everyday group is packed with lefty bats, which is exactly why this late-market shopping is happening. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Jose Caballero are the main right-handed regulars, while several other projected starters swing lefty, creating a natural opening for a right-handed complement who can punish southpaws and give Aaron Boone more matchup flexibility. 

The bench does include right-handed options like Paul Goldschmidt and Amed Rosario, but Goldschmidt is limited defensively to first base, and the club still has room to improve its platoon coverage in the outfield or behind the plate.

Names that keep popping up include Randal Grichuk, Austin Slater, and Chas McCormick. Grichuk remains available in free agency, while Slater and McCormick are in other camps on minor league deals and could become attainable if they do not make those Opening Day rosters. 

That kind of late shakeout is exactly where the Yankees may be hunting.

Yankees Roster Crunch Could Push More Moves

This also ties directly into the Jasson Dominguez conversation. Dominguez is talented, but the Yankees appear to want him playing every day instead of sitting as a part-time fourth outfielder, especially given his uneven production against left-handed pitching and the team’s current outfield alignment. 

If Dominguez opens in Triple A, it increases the need for a right-handed bat who can cover the fourth outfield role cleanly without disrupting development.

Catcher is another spot to watch. Austin Wells is the starter, and the projected backup is left-handed-hitting J.C. Escarra, which doesn’t solve the platoon problem. If the Yankees can locate a right-handed catcher option, they could stash Escarra in Triple A and create a better matchup tandem. 

That market is thin right now, which is why the Yankees may be waiting for roster cuts, opt-outs, or late-spring releases to create an opening.

The Yankees have been aggressive enough in recent years to pounce when the right fit appears, and this is one of those quiet situations that can turn loud quickly. If a right-handed bat becomes available in the next few weeks, do not be surprised if New York moves fast.

Photo Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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