Gerrit Cole’s season is over thanks to Tommy John surgery, and all indications are the New York Yankees will trudge along without making any immediate additions — whether by trade or signing — from outside the organization.
But if general manager Brian Cashman’s patience wears thin with the rotation’s performance and owner Hal Steinbrenner is convinced to add salary to a payroll that is already beyond the highest luxury tax? There could eventually be some enticing trade options around baseball. (As it stands now, the Yankees will be mindful of their spending because at the top of the luxury tax, $1 costs $2 for them.)
BUY YANKEES TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETMASTER
ESPN MLB reporters Buster Olney and Jorge Castillo listed off some names on Monday’s “Baseball Tonight podcast, with most options on expiring deals and/or related to teams that might sell if they are not having strong seasons.
Sandy Alcantara, Miami Marlins: “He looks great this spring,” Olney said. “But I’ll say this: The Marlins, yes, they’re willing to deal probably early in the season if somebody comes down with a great offer. … But, man, you better bring it. I’m sure the Marlins are going to want absolutely top dollar. And the Yankees would have to compete against a lot of teams for Sandy at a time when their farm system is down.”
Alcantara is signed through 2026 ($17 million each year) with a 2027 team option (for $21 million).
Dylan Cease and Michael King, San Diego Padres: “If it doesn’t go well for the Padres, maybe (Cease) is available,” Olney said.
Cease will make $13.75 million this season before he hits free agency. King will make $7.75 million this year with a $15 million mutual option in 2026.
Miles Mikolas, St. Louis Cardinals
Mikolas is in the last year of a deal that will pay him $16 million this season.
Andrew Heaney, Pittsburgh Pirates
Heaney will earn $5.25 million this season on a one-year deal.
Kyle Hendricks, Los Angeles Angels
Hendricks will earn $2.5 million this season on a one-year deal.
Zach Gallen and Jordan Montgomery, Arizona Diamondbacks: “(Montgomery) is out there,” Castillo said.
Gallen will earn $13.5 million this season before becoming a free agent. Montgomery will earn $22.5 million this season before he hits free agency.
Zach Eflin, Baltimore Orioles
Eflin will earn $18 million this season before becoming a free agent.
Ranger Suarez, Philadelphia Phillies: “I kind of wonder if he would be a guy that (the Yankees) would be interested in,” Olney said.
Suarez will earn $8.8 million this season before hitting free agency.
Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners
Castillo is under contract through 2027 at $22.75 million annually with a $25 million vesting option in 2028.
Olney also included some others in his Monday night piece on ESPN.com:
Jose Berrios, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, Max Scherzer, Toronto Blue Jays: “If the Toronto Blue Jays struggle in the first half, they could be a key source for all kinds of needs,” Olney wrote.
Berrios is under contract through 2028 ($18 million in 2025-26; $24 million in 2027; $24 million in 2028).
Gausman is under contract through 2026 for $23 million annually.
Bassitt has one this season left on his deal for $21 million.
Scherzer is playing on a one-year deal for $15.5 million.
Robbie Ray, San Francisco Giants
Ray is under contract through 2026 for $25 million annually.
Framber Valdez, Houston Astros: “If Houston hovers around .500, it could flip Framber Valdez into the market — with his years of postseason experience attractive to contenders,” Olney wrote.
Valdez is playing this season on an $18 million deal before he hits free agency.
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