The New York Yankees have been active in trying to improve their roster following Juan Soto’s departure, but it’s clear they still have work to do. Simply replacing departing players isn’t enough to build a World Series contender.
Fans’ frustrations are understandable, particularly with lingering roster issues. For instance, why hasn’t Tim Hill or Andrew Chafin been signed yet? Why is the team likely heading to arbitration with Mark Leiter Jr.?
And why did they spend all of Thursday sorting out arbitration salary agreements instead of prioritizing pressing roster upgrades? The decision to let Gleyber Torres go without a solid plan to address second or third base has also raised concerns, as has signing Marcus Stroman to a deal they already seem to regret.
While there’s plenty to criticize, fans must remember that not everything happening behind the scenes is public knowledge. And things could be worse—the Yankees aren’t dealing with the level of dysfunction seen in Boston or Toronto. Overall, they’re in a decent spot heading into 2025.
That said, with some bold and creative moves, the Yankees could be in an even stronger position. Much of the offseason trade buzz has revolved around Nolan Arenado, but the Yankees might have a better target to pursue.
According to Cardinals insider John Denton, St. Louis hasn’t reached an agreement on a long-term extension or 2025 arbitration salary for Brendan Donovan. If tensions continue, Brian Cashman should jump on the opportunity to explore a potential deal and give the Yankees a crucial edge.
Yankees Rumors: Could Brendan Donovan emerge as trade target?
Exhausted: Trading for the aging Nolan Arenado, who still has $50 million tied to him over the next three years.
Energized: Pursuing Brendan Donovan, a 28-year-old with team control who can play second base and outfield while hitting left-handed.
On one hand, the Cardinals may hesitate to trade Donovan due to his value and minimal impact on payroll. However, since Arenado wouldn’t bring much in return, Donovan—entering his age-28 season with just three years of control remaining—could be a valuable trade chip, offering a solid return without jeopardizing the team’s future.
While Donovan is undoubtedly an asset, he’s the oldest among young talents like Nolan Gorman, Lars Nootbaar, Alex Burleson, Jordan Walker, and Masyn Winn—the core of the Cardinals’ next era. Trading Donovan could allow St. Louis to bring in more young or MLB-ready talent to strengthen their roster.
For the Yankees, it’s not a perfect scenario, but Donovan could be a great fit. He’d likely play second base in 2025, with Jazz Chisholm sliding over to third. The Yankees could create a versatile rotation with Donovan, Chisholm, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Jasson Dominguez. Donovan and Cabrera can handle second, third, and left field, while Chisholm covers second, third, and center. Dominguez can rotate between left and center field. All are expected to be above-average defenders.
That’s a significant upgrade from shuffling below-average defenders across the field. Such a move would make the Yankees younger, more athletic, and more versatile—a refreshing option as the remaining trade possibilities become less appealing by the minute.
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