The Yankees made a fair number of moves at the trade deadline, but Brian Cashman missed the opportunity to move these three players who don’t have a future in New York.
The Yankees successfully acquired Jazz Chisholm, Mark Leiter, and Enyel De Los Santos at this year’s trade deadline, but GM Brian Cashman and his front office could have been more aggressive. The team might face criticism for not parting ways with a few players who don’t have a future in the Bronx.
Of course, making multiple trades is easier said than done. Several complicating factors explain why the Yankees couldn’t offload all the players they might have wanted to in an ideal scenario. Trades require willing partners to take on players that New York no longer desires, and the hefty salaries of some of these stars also played a significant role in keeping them in New York a bit longer.
Even so, Yankee fans who are particularly fond of any of the three players mentioned might want to savor watching them in pinstripes for the remainder of the season. Once the offseason arrives, there’s a good chance they’ll be searching for a new team.
3. Alex Verdugo
Alex Verdugo was acquired to boost the Yankees’ batting lineup with more consistent contact, but his season in the Bronx has been inconsistent. Adding to the uncertainty is the fact that he is set to become a free agent this offseason, making his future with the team highly uncertain.
Verdugo is earning just under $9 million this year, which likely makes it difficult for the Yankees to bring him back. The team is focused on cutting payroll to ensure they can afford to offer Juan Soto a lucrative contract. As a result, Jasson Dominguez, with his affordable salary, is a strong candidate to fill an outfield spot for New York next season.
To be fair to the Yankees’ front office, there wasn’t a strong market for Verdugo’s expiring contract before the trade deadline. It’s understandable that he would have more value to the Yankees in the final stretch of the season than to any potential trade partners. His recent improvement at the plate only reinforces that perspective.
The Yankees might consider bringing Verdugo back if he’s willing to accept a significant pay cut or if they fail to re-sign Soto. However, Verdugo is likely to seek a more lucrative long-term contract than New York is prepared to offer this offseason. That scenario could change if Verdugo becomes a postseason hero for the Yankees, but the odds of him returning for another season in the Bronx remain slim.
2. Anthony Rizzo
Anthony Rizzo’s extended stay on the Injured List largely explains why he wasn’t actively involved in trade discussions before the deadline. Now, with his return to the active roster expected in the coming weeks, the Yankees face a tough decision about his future.
Rizzo’s absence opened the door for relatively unknown rookie Ben Rice to earn a spot on the Major League roster. While Rice hasn’t been spectacular, he’s shown some promising moments for a player with limited experience. Originally a catcher, Rice has quickly adapted to playing first base, and this versatility gives him an edge over Rizzo in the Yankees’ long-term plans.
The team can avoid making an immediate decision on Rizzo’s future by delaying his return to the big leagues until September 1st, when they can call him up using one of the expanded roster spots. This would allow GM Brian Cashman and his staff to postpone the decision for a few more months.
If Rizzo stays for the final year of his contract, the Yankees will owe him $17 million—a significant amount for a first baseman who hasn’t hit at an above-average level in over a year. Alternatively, the Yankees can move on from Rizzo with a $6 million buyout, signaling the end of his time in New York.
Rizzo is a valuable presence in the locker room, but his hefty salary may be too much for the Yankees to carry, especially with a potential Juan Soto extension on the horizon. It would take an exceptional performance from Rizzo down the stretch to keep him in New York beyond October.
1. Gleyber Torres
Not too long ago, Gleyber Torres was seen as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ future. However, his stagnation at the plate and lack of defensive improvement have led to a decline in his standing within the organization. The Yankees’ decision to acquire Jazz Chisholm at the trade deadline was a clear signal that they are preparing to move on from Torres when he hits free agency.
Despite his shortcomings, Torres still has enough offensive potential to secure a substantial multi-year deal in free agency. This is his last season under team control, meaning he’ll be looking to cash in during the offseason—a financial commitment the Yankees are unlikely to make.
The situation might have been different if the Yankees were fully confident in Torres’ mental approach to the game. His occasional lapses in concentration on defense have frustrated the organization for years. Manager Aaron Boone’s recent decision to bench Torres for a lack of effort on the base paths could be the final straw that ends his tenure in New York.
Some fans may still see Torres as a player with untapped star potential, but at 27 years old, he should be fully realizing that potential by now. The Yankees might offer him a contract reflecting the player he currently is, but another team will likely bet on fixing his flaws. It’s unlikely that Torres will be the Yankees’ starting second baseman on Opening Day 2025.