The Yankees’ trade deadline strategy is under fresh scrutiny following Aaron Judge’s placement on the injured list with a right flexor strain in his elbow. While Judge is expected to miss a minimum of ten days and then resume duty in a DH capacity, the injury requires the Yankees’ front office to consider their reconsider their strategy just days away from the trade deadline.
What Were the Plans?
Before Judge’s injury, New York had already made two roster moves: acquiring third baseman Ryan McMahon and utility infielder Amed Rosario. Given the recent bullpen struggles, it’s hard to imagine that pitching will not remain a priority, including rotational depth. If history is to be trusted, however, Brian Cashman will likely treat the return of reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil as its own move.
Catalyst for Change or Confirmation?
Some have suggested the injury might push the Yankees toward a softer approach or even being partial sellers. Insiders, however, indicate that the injury should not alter their existing strategy. New York intends to stay buyers, particularly in pitching, with a priority towards controllable assets.
Moves Made, Moves in Motion
Already, the Yankees have acted on their front-office blueprint by securing McMahon and Rosario. There have also been links to Pirates’ reliever Jake Bird. He is a reliable bullpen arm who fits the team’s model of controllable talent. Meanwhile, conversations continue with Pittsburgh about Mitch Keller and possibly other starting pitchers who offer multi-year control. Beyond pitching, the Yankees may still target a right‑handed bat like Willi Castro. An Isiah Kiner‑Falefa reunion have also surfaced given his familiarity with the club and defensive versatility. Yes, he is a professional singles merchant, but the Yankees have the speed for a little small-ball, which could prove to be valuable with Judge at less than 100%.
Stanton, Domínguez & Outfield Questions
Judge’s limitations upon return raise defensive concerns, so we have to address the elephant in the room. Giancarlo Stanton cannot be placed in the outfield rotation. His speed is gone, he had elbow problems coming into the season, and he hasn’t played outfield since September 14, 2023. Jasson Domínguez also continues to struggle in left field. While he has gotten better as the season progresses, his inexperience at the position is costing the team valuable runs. Does Cashman look at acquiring a defensive-minded outfielder or could we see internal options like Spencer Jones or Everson Pereira? While it isn’t an immediate need, outfield depth could become an issue as the season moves through the dog days.
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Selling vs. Staying the Course
The Yankees have a 14–23 record since mid‑June, bullpen ERA above 7.00, and slipping playoff odds. Hard questions need to be asked, not the least of which is if this team can make a real push for October. Obviously, the team isn’t likely to trade top prospect talent for rentals, but they also cannot signal capitulation. As they stand, the Yankees are a wild card team at best, so where does that place them? A lot of “ifs” remain, but if Judge can still hit, if McMahon can be productive, if Gil can perform, and if Cashman can find pitching reinforcements, there may be a path to the playoffs.
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Final Push
Ultimately, the Yankees’ trade deadline strategy appears to be that they are buyers, albeit cautiously. The front office aims to upgrade pitching more than anything now, targeting controllable relievers with multiple years and starters who can help right now. Meanwhile, positional depth is being addressed without sacrificing the farm. Best case scenario, the Yankees land solid pitching acquisitions to stabilize the rotation and bullpen, and add depth to compensate for Judge’s limited defense. Right now, the team can’t really afford to remain neutral. If they aim for incremental movement, their playoff hopes become more remote. Especially if the offense stalls without a fully healthy Aaron Judge. Worst case scenario is McMahon and Rosario struggle, the bullpen continues to struggle, or another injury.
Yes, Aaron Judge’s injury adds complexity, but it has not fundamentally altered the Yankees’ trade deadline strategy. Cashman will likely continue to persue incremental upgrades using down-roster prospects while balancing the future consistency of the club. Whether that approach delivers a playoff berth likely depends on whether reinforcements translate into tangible on-field improvement in the season’s final stretch.
