Brian Cashman does not like the MLB rumor mills. The Yankees GM was upfront Thursday night when talking to reporters about who he has been in contact with – and who he has not been talking to. Before his annual sleepout to raise awareness for Covenant House, Cashman told reporters he has already checked in on Kyle Tucker, Paul Goldschmidt, Michael King, and Kyle Schwarber, a cluster of headline names that instantly lit up the fanbase and offered the clearest glimpse yet of New York’s early offseason board.
Cashman said he’s spoken with agent Casey Close, whose client list conveniently includes a superstar outfielder, an MVP first baseman, a breakout starter and one of the most obvious left-handed power fits Yankee Stadium has ever seen. It’s the kind of early-winter reconnaissance that always sends Yankees fans hunting for signs of a blockbuster.
The reality? It’s still November. This is tire-kicking season, which is Cashman’s specialty, but the names alone show how wide the Yankees are willing to look.
Tucker, the top free agent available, would be a franchise-changing splash if the Yankees decide to chase the biggest bat on the board.
Goldschmidt, entering his age-38 season, represents a short-term middle-of-the-order solution with MVP pedigree. Schwarber remains a dream lefty for Yankee Stadium’s right-field porch.
And King, who excelled after being traded to San Diego, could give the Yankees the stability their rotation still lacks.
Cashman also said he has spoken with Scott Boras about Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai, an NPB standout whose mid-90s fastball and splitter have made him a popular mid-rotation target for analytically driven clubs. Imai is the type of value play that often emerges once the top-tier starters sign elsewhere.
One surprising note: Cashman confirmed he has not yet contacted the camp for Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto, despite widespread speculation linking the Yankees to the power-hitting corner infielder. That suggests New York may be prioritizing outfield power and rotation help before addressing infield depth.
Cashman’s early calls, even if they are just temperature checks, shows the front office is casting a wide net, keeping every lane open, and positioning itself in case a major opportunity drops.
With Tucker, Goldschmidt, Schwarber, King and Imai all on the radar, the Yankees’ winter suddenly feels a lot more interesting.
