Yankees' top 8 free agency targets ranked, including Alonso and Bichette

The championship drought for the New York Yankees reached a 16th season in 2025. To snap it in 2026, Brian Cashman might first have to make some upgrades this winter.

How aggressive the Yankees plan to be is unclear. They already added multiple relief options for 2026 at the July trade deadline, also acquiring Ryan McMahon as their third baseman for next season. The starting rotation didn't look like it needed to be touched when the Yankees' season ended, but with Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole unlikely to be ready for Opening Day, a move or two could be on the table.

The most significant narrative of the Yankees' offseason could revolve around free-agent outfielders Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham, following their outstanding seasons. New York is keen on re-signing Bellinger, though he's expected to be a premier free agent. Grisham, on the other hand, might seek to capitalize on his career-high offensive performance, potentially exceeding the Yankees' financial plans.

First base is another spot to monitor, as Paul Goldschmidt is set to become a free agent and is not expected to be re-signed. Ben Rice might become the everyday first baseman, but the New York team could consider adding a platoon partner or even a significant signing that makes Rice dispensable. 

Here's a look at the eight best free-agent targets for the Yankees this offseason.

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8. Ryan Helsley, RP/CL

Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

• 2025 stats: 56.0 IP, 4.50 ERA, 63 K, 25 BB, 1.54 WHIP, 0.2 fWAR

While the Yankees don't strictly require an additional late-inning reliever, the potential value of Ryan Helsley might be quite appealing. This former St. Louis Cardinals closer, a two-time All-Star, experienced a significant downturn in his performance during his two months with the New York Mets last season, recording a 7.20 ERA over 22 outings.

Staying in New York may not be Helsley's first choice after that debacle, but his track record says no one should overreact to such a small sample size. Helsley had a 1.83 ERA with 82 saves from 2022-24, striking out 12.1 batters per nine. If he wants to take on a set-up role for a year and rebuild his value, Helsley should be someone the Yankees consider.

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7. Victor Caratini, C

• 2025 stats: 114 games,.259 AVG, 12 HR, 46 RBI,.728 OPS, 0.8 WAR

Barring a trade, the Yankees aren't well-positioned to replace Austin Wells at catcher. What they can do is bring in a part-time catcher who can hit a little bit. Victor Caratini is coming off three consecutive seasons with an OPS north of.700, a rarity for a backup catcher, and he showed some pop with 12 home runs in 386 plate appearances in 2025.

Caratini primarily faced right-handed pitchers this past season. 15 of Wells' 21 home runs came against right-handers, but he hit just.210 against them and had a higher OPS against left-handers. Even if not Caratini, bringing in someone who can challenge Wells to take a step forward is necessary this winter. 

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6. Michael King, SP

• 2025 stats: 73.1 IP, 3.44 ERA, 76 K, 26 BB, 1.20 WHIP, 0.8 fWAR

Acquired from the San Diego Padres during the Juan Soto trade two years prior, Michael King performed like a top pitcher in 2024 but missed a significant portion of his 2025 season due to injury. He is still expected to secure a substantial multi-year contract this offseason. King boasts a 2.91 ERA across his last four seasons, having worked as both a starter and a reliever, and he knows the Yankees organization well, having begun his career in the Bronx.

It's uncertain if the Yankees will offer a substantial contract to a starting pitcher given their current roster depth, yet they've recognized the perpetual need for ample starting pitching talent.

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5. Nick Martinez, SP

• 2025 stats: 165.2 IP, 4.45 ERA, 116 K, 42 BB, 1.21 WHIP, 2.1 fWAR

Despite a less successful season in Cincinnati, Nick Martinez is anticipated to draw significant interest this offseason due to his versatility. Having frequently transitioned between starting and relief roles throughout his career, Martinez presents an ideal option for The Yankees, a team projected to have two starting pitchers unavailable on Opening Day but a complete rotation upon their return.

Despite Martinez's 4.45 ERA in 2025, he maintained a 3.31 ERA across more than 359 innings from 2022 to 2024, and in 2024, he recorded an exceptionally low 1.1 walk rate per nine innings. Instead of acquiring a definite starter who could create a difficult choice for The Yankees when all pitchers are healthy, New York can simply bring in Martinez, who is capable of getting outs irrespective of his assigned role. 

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4. Pete Alonso, 1B

• 2025 stats: 162 games,.272 AVG, 38 HR, 126 RBI,.871 OPS, 3.6 fWAR

Ben Rice might become the Yankees' permanent first baseman, or he could be used in a platoon. Alternatively, given offensive concerns at catcher, shortstop, and third base, New York might pursue Pete Alonso for The Bronx, mirroring the Mets' acquisition of Juan Soto in Queens last offseason.

While Alonso isn't Soto, that's not a requirement. He's proven to be an exceptionally durable player since his debut, frequently nearing 40 home runs and achieving 80 extra-base hits in 2025. His batting average is a variable, as Alonso batted.272 in 2025, down from.240 in 2024 and.217 in 2023, yet his overall skill set is robust enough to potentially attract the Yankees.

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3. Kazuma Okamoto, 1B

• 2025 stats: 77 games,.322 AVG, 15 HR, 51 RBI,.992 OPS

Munetaka Murakami stands out as the top free agent this winter, though he's probably not a good match for The Yankees due to his defensive shortcomings and projected role as a long-term designated hitter. Kazuma Okamoto, a 29-year-old who batted.322 last season in a league with low offensive output, might present a more economical and practical choice. Okamoto could at minimum share first base duties with Rice or fully replace him, and he's also able to play third base if McMahon isn't starting.

Although Okamoto's contract won't be as substantial as Murakami's, the Yankees might still consider him too expensive due to their other priorities.

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2. Bo Bichette, SS

• 2025 stats: 139 G,.311 AVG, 18 HR, 94 RBI,.840 OPS, 3.8 fWAR

Are the Yankees ready to take a big swing on an infielder? Bo Bichette is one of baseball's top contact bats — he was on a 200-hit pace before a late-season knee injury — and he doesn't turn 30 until weeks before the 2028 season.

How long Bichette can stick at shortstop is the biggest question surrounding his market. He would be a massive offensive upgrade over Anthony Volpe, but after a rough defensive year, would Bichette be forced to move to second base in a year or two and make New York search for another shortstop solution? If the Yankees can get past that concern, Bichette would be a jolt of energy for their lineup, both now and long-term.

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1. Cody Bellinger, OF

• 2025 stats: 152 G,.272 AVG, 29 HR, 98 RBI,.813 OPS, 4.9 fWAR

Cody Bellinger stands out as the Yankees' primary target this offseason, even considering Kyle Tucker's availability. Bellinger's demonstrated ability to perform in New York, his minimal injury record apart from a shoulder operation five years back, and his likely more manageable contract compared to Tucker make him the clear choice.

Bringing back Bellinger wouldn't solve every issue for The Yankees, but he wasn't a liability in 2025 and possesses the youth to remain a staple in New York's batting order for an extended period if they keep him. 

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