Players Yankees Should Look to Acquire This Offseason

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November 29, 2025

Free agency is officially in full swing, and the New York Yankees project as major players once again this offseason. The team has already made several moves, most notably bringing back Trent Grisham in centerfield. However, numerous players would be good targets for the Yankees this offseason, either via free agency or trade.

SS Corey Seager – Texas Rangers

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A Corey Seager trade couldn’t possibly make any more sense on both ends. The Rangers have expressed a desire to trim their payroll for 2026, and the Yankees will likely be without starting shortstop Anthony Volpe to begin the season as he recovers from shoulder surgery.

Despite missing 60 games in 2025, Seager posted a 6.1 WAR and played the best defense of his career. Most importantly, Seager is one of the best playoff performers in the sport, highlighted by his two World Series MVPs. The Rangers would likely demand a hefty return, but the Yankees shouldn’t hesitate one bit.

SP Freddy Peralta – Milwaukee Brewers

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Less than two years ago, the Brewers elected to trade Corbin Burnes instead of paying him. So, could the Brewers do the same with Freddy Peralta? In 2025, Peralta had the best season of his career, notching career highs in wins (17), ERA (2.70), WAR (5.5), and innings pitched (176 2/3). After 2026, though, Peralta will be a free agent.

Despite appearing strong on paper, the Yankees’ rotation has several question marks. Both Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon will miss the beginning of the 2026 season, while Clarke Schmidt could return to the rotation in late July at the earliest. Therefore, adding another starter in Peralta would be a smart move.

C J.T. Realmuto – Free Agent

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At 38 years old, Paul Goldschmidt returning to the Bronx doesn’t appear likely, especially considering Ben Rice’s success at first base in 2025. However, making Rice the everyday first baseman would leave starter Austin Wells and backup J.C. Escarra as the only catchers on the roster.

Enter J.T. Realmuto. The 12-year veteran is an above-average hitter, plays great defense behind the plate, and would provide the Yankees with another veteran presence in the clubhouse. The Yankees could certainly give Austin Wells another year as the starting catcher, but his offensive inconsistencies could prompt a change to Realmuto, someone who owns a .270 career batting average.

RP Robert Suarez – Free Agent

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The Yankees’ relief corps struggled mightily in 2025, highlighted by the group’s 4.37 ERA. With multiple free agents in Luke Weaver and Devin Williams, the Yankees’ bullpen could be headed toward a much-needed makeover.

Even though they already have David Bednar, adding Robert Suarez would give the Yankees a dominant backend of their bullpen. Last year, Suarez led the National League in saves with 40 while posting a sub-3.00 ERA for the third time in his four major league seasons. Being able to turn to David Bednar in the eighth inning and Robert Suarez in the ninth inning would make life so much easier on the Yankees.

SP Tatsuya Imai – Free Agent

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If the Yankees elect to address their rotation via free agency, Tatsuya Imai would be a good player to target. In 2025, Imai posted a 1.92 ERA in 163.2 innings pitched in NPB. He also struck out 178 batters and posted a career best WHIP of 0.89. 2026 would be his first season in the majors, but the Yankees could slot him in behind Max Fried and Luis Gil to help him adjust to the big leagues.