The New York Yankees are heading into the second half of the 2026 season with the second-best record in the American League (54-42) and the fifth-best record in the sport. They have suffered numerous big-time injuries, including losing Aaron Judge for multiple months and Max Fried, who should return in the coming weeks.
If the Yankees want to parade down the Canyon of Heroes this November as world champions, they will need some help at the trade deadline, and Brian Cashman and his team have their work cut out for them.
1. Catching Help
When Cashman met the media in Tampa last week, he noted that the offense stemming from the catcher’s position is “an issue, clearly,” going on to add, “On the offensive side, it’s been a struggle, and it’s a surprise. We feel like we have players capable of a lot more. I recognize and acknowledge how difficult this game can be, and so it’s become an area of concern, clearly, when it wasn’t expected to be. I know he’s doing everything he can, and they are doing everything they can to improve in that category. I know that they’re capable of that, but at the same time, it’s been a struggle.”
Ryan Jeffers
The Yankees are scouring the marketplace for right-handed hitting catchers. The most common name that keeps coming up is Ryan Jeffers from the Twins. Jeffers has been a top offensive catcher in the league over the past few seasons, with his defense being good as well. Jefers just returned from surgery on his handmade bone to a Twins team within striking distance of a wild card spot.
The issue with Jeffers is the Twins’ postseason position. If the team thinks they can make the postseason in the mediocre American League Central, they are going to go for it, which could include holding onto Jeffers, even with his free agency looming at the end of the season.
Hunter Goodman
Another catcher the Yankees have reportedly shown interest in is Hunter Goodman from the Rockies. Goodman is pre-arbitration and has multiple years of control left, which could make him a mainstay in the Yankees’ lineup. The two front offices have a relationship and have made three trades within the past calendar year. Goodman has posted a 118 WRC+, despite struggling at Coors Field. Goodman is a good power hitter and a solid defender, but his profile is power or bust, and he strikes out 32.2% of the time.
The question, though, needs to be asked: Why would the Rockies trade Goodman, a potential cornerstone, so soon in their rebuild? That is a question for Paul DePodesta, because I would not be confident the Rockies would move Goodman unless they were overwhelmed with a package.
Logan O’Hoppe
A last option the Yankees could pursue for catching help is Angels catcher Logan O’Hoppe. O’Hoppe is not the hot option but could be a fixer-upper option for the Yankees. Stuck in the cycle of losing in Anaheim, O’Hoppe has posted a career-worst 63 WRC+ this season, which is still better than what the Yankees have on the roster. Still, that does not exactly scream greatness, though O’Hoppe has shown potential in the past to be a good offensive player.
O’Hoppe grew up a Yankee fan from West Islip and could be a redemption option for the Yankees in an environment that he grew up knowing and one that fosters winning, compared to the dysfunction in SoCal. O’Hoppe could be a good buy-low option, and they unlock his potential in New York.
2. Bullpen Help
The Yankees bullpen has surprised so far in 2026, posting the best bullpen ERA (3.04) in the sport, and ranks 7th in fWAR (3.4). Still, the Yankees are seeking upgrades at the position to bolster every possible weakness before heading into October. With the loss of Carlos Lagrange due to a shoulder injury, the Yankees should seek some high-leverage options.
Daniel Lynch IV
The Royals will be sellers at this deadline, and Daniel Lynch IV will be one of the more coveted high-leverage relevers on the move. Lynch IV has posted a 177 ERA+ this season, which is the highest in his career, by far. Lynch IV has been a bright spot on a rather dim Royals team this season and has performed well in high leverage, including taking over for Lucas Erceg as closer after his struggles.
The Yankees don’t need a closer, but they could use somebody to anchor down the seventh and eighth innings. To add to his appeal, Lynch IV is a left-hander, and with the recent struggles of Tim Hill, Lynch IV could be a replacement in the bullpen with a much higher upside. The best part is Lynch IV would have control for two seasons after 2026, which Cashman likes to look for when acquiring relievers.
Adrián Morejón
Another option for the Yankees could be another lefty, Adrián Morejón. Jon Morosi of MLB Network suggested that Morejón could be on the move this deadline. Morejón has posted a 121 ERA+, which is a step down from last season. In high-leverage situations this season, Morejón has posted a .563 OPS against, which is very good.
Morejón is in his walk year, so this would be a rental deal for the Yankees, but that should not deter them. At his best, Morejón could log some serious high-leverage relievers and is one of the best relievers in the game. Couple Morejón with what the Yankees already possess in their bullpen, and the unit could be the Yankees’ biggest strength come October.
Luke Weaver
Who doesn’t like a reunion? Luke Weaver has been lights-out in 2026 since leaving the Yankees for the Mets this offseason. After struggling in April, Weaver has not given up a run in his last 26 innings, which is the longest active streak in baseball. Weaver has also yet to give up a run on the road in 2026. Weaver struggled with the Yankees in 2025 after suffering an injury in June but showed in 2024 that he can handle high-leverage innings in the biggest spots in New York.
Weaver would come over to the Yankees with control in 2027 as well, which would give the Yankees another year of one of the better Matt Blake success stories the Yankees have had in his tenure. Weaver was on the mound for some of the biggest Yankee moments in the Aaron Boone tenure, and if he could capture that success for the Yankees once again, it could make the bullpen that much more dominant.
Main Image Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
