Three Yankees Likely to Depart This Offseason Despite Staying Past the Trade Deadline…
Although the Yankees made some moves at the trade deadline, including acquiring Jazz Chisholm, Mark Leiter, and Enyel De Los Santos, General Manager Brian Cashman did not manage to offload three players who are unlikely to remain with the team beyond this season.
Executing multiple trades is not simple, as various factors can hinder deals. The Yankees may have struggled to find trade partners willing to take on certain players, especially considering the high salaries involved. As a result, these players will likely remain in New York for the remainder of the season, but their future with the team is uncertain.
Yankees fans who are attached to these players should enjoy watching them in pinstripes while they can, as the offseason will likely bring significant changes.
3. Alex Verdugo
Alex Verdugo was acquired to improve the Yankees’ contact hitting but has had an inconsistent season. With free agency looming, his future with the team is uncertain. Verdugo’s current salary of nearly $9 million makes it unlikely he will return to New York, as the Yankees aim to reduce payroll to afford a contract extension for Juan Soto.
Despite his recent improvement at the plate, the Yankees were unable to find a trade partner willing to take on Verdugo’s expiring contract. While the team might consider re-signing him at a lower cost or if Soto is not re-signed, Verdugo is likely to seek a more lucrative deal elsewhere. Unless he delivers an outstanding postseason performance, his time in the Bronx is likely coming to an end.
2. Anthony Rizzo
Anthony Rizzo’s extended stint on the Injured List kept him out of trade discussions, but with his return to the roster approaching, the Yankees face a tough decision about his future.
Rizzo’s absence allowed rookie Ben Rice to step up, showing potential despite his inexperience. Rice’s versatility as a catcher and first baseman gives him an edge over Rizzo in the Yankees’ long-term plans.
If Rizzo remains with the Yankees for the final year of his contract, the team would owe him $17 million—a steep price for a player who has struggled offensively for over a year. However, the Yankees could choose to part ways with him via a $6 million buyout. Although Rizzo is a valuable locker room presence, his salary may be too high for the Yankees to justify keeping him, especially with Soto’s contract on the horizon. A strong performance in the coming weeks would be necessary for him to stay in New York beyond this season.
1. Gleyber Torres
Once seen as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ future, Gleyber Torres has struggled to meet expectations. His stagnation at the plate and defensive issues have worn out his welcome in New York, and the acquisition of Jazz Chisholm at the trade deadline signals the team’s readiness to move on.
Despite his shortcomings, Torres still has enough offensive potential to command a significant multi-year deal in free agency. However, with this being his last season under team control, the Yankees are unlikely to meet his contract demands.
The organization’s concerns about Torres’ focus and effort, particularly after manager Aaron Boone benched him for a lack of hustle, further diminish his chances of staying with the team. At 27, Torres should be reaching his peak, but the Yankees may be unwilling to gamble on his potential. It’s expected that Torres will not be the Yankees’ starting second baseman when the 2025 season begins.
