The New York Yankees are likely to be involved in free agency and trade rumors all offseason, and while they could use some additions to the starting rotation and the bullpen, the lineup needs some work.
With Cody Bellinger a free agent and Anthony Volpe out to begin the year, the Yankees could look to add to both the infield and the outfield this winter. In addition to acquiring one of those positions, the Yankees will also look to solve a big lineup issue.
Brian Cashman, in a piece from Bryan Hoch of MLB.com, revealed the biggest issue with the Yankees' lineup heading into this offseason. As things currently stand, there are too many left-handed hitters in the lineup.
Brian Cashman reveals Yankees lineup issue that needs to be addressed this winter
"I acknowledge that we are left-handed dominant throughout our lineup," Cashman said, "so to get more choices for our manager would be a great thing for us to do."
Looking at the Yankees lineup, Austin Wells, Ben Rice, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ryan McMahon, and Trent Grisham represent a lefty-heavy lineup. Spencer Jones is also a left-hander who could make his MLB debut in 2026.
Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Anthony Volpe, and Jose Cabellaro are right-handed options, while Jasson Dominguez is a switch-hitter. But, with Volpe out to begin the year, the lineup needs some help on the right side of the plate.
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Adding a right-handed hitter could come in the form of a backup catcher to split time with Wells, or an outfielder who could platoon if needed. An infielder who could take over at third base or shortstop could also be an option.
But if the Yankees and Cashman fall too heavily on the idea of adding right-handed hitters, then they could wind up missing out on lefties Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker.
They won't pass on both due to their left-handedness, especially with Bellinger being a solid left-on-left hitter, but it could be a factor in their free agent decisions this offseason.
Cashman knows the Yankees need to add a right-handed hitter to resolve the lefty-heavy lineup. With options in free agency and in the trade market, expect the Yankees to add a right-handed hitter at some point this winter.
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