New Name Begins to Emerge for Yankees’ Next Signing

As the New York Yankees prepare for spring training in six days, their roster still remains a work in progress, with general manager Brian Cashman continuing his pursuit of a right-handed outfielder to complete the team’s lineup. Despite re-signing two significant players—Cody Bellinger for five years and $162.5 million, and Trent Grisham on a one-year qualifying offer worth $22 million—Cashman is still actively searching for additional outfield help.

The Yankees’ main goal is to find an outfielder who can play left field against left-handed pitchers, with Bellinger moving to center field and Grisham potentially filling a bench role. However, as noted by the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, Cashman is considering options that might not strictly fit the left field mold, such as a potential addition at first base.

But as the search continues, it’s clear that the free-agent pool is shrinking, and there are fewer viable candidates left to sign. The Yankees had their eye on righty-hitting outfielders with strong track records against left-handed pitching, such as Austin Hays and Rob Refsnyder, but both of them have already signed elsewhere. This leaves the Yankees scrambling to fill the void with options that might not be as ideal as they hoped.

Limited Options on the Market

The market for right-handed hitters who can effectively handle left-handed pitching is drying up, and the Yankees’ options are narrowing. As Sherman reports, the Yankees have had discussions about reuniting with Austin Slater, a player they’ve targeted in the past, or potentially bringing in Randal Grichuk. Both of these outfielders have demonstrated the ability to hit left-handed pitchers effectively, but there’s been a shift in their status.

Slater, unfortunately, has already inked a deal with the Chicago White Sox, signing a one-year contract worth $1.75 million. This move removed one potential target from the Yankees’ list.

The Yankees’ other option, Randal Grichuk, has seen his production dip in recent years, which complicates his status as a potential acquisition. Grichuk, 34, has been a seasoned MLB player, spending 12 years with multiple teams, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Colorado Rockies, Los Angeles Angels, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Kansas City Royals. Grichuk was a powerhouse against left-handed pitchers between 2022 and 2024, posting an impressive .317 batting average with a .940 OPS across 498 plate appearances.

However, 2025 proved to be a disappointing year for Grichuk. His production against lefties significantly dropped to a .227 average, with a .273 on-base percentage and a .430 slugging percentage in 183 plate appearances. His OPS fell to .703, which raised doubts about his ability to maintain the consistency needed for the Yankees’ lineup. The decline in his performance has certainly complicated the Yankees’ interest in him.

Potential Pressures on Jasson Dominguez

If Cashman decides to roll with the existing roster and fails to add another outfielder, the pressure will undoubtedly fall on young outfielder Jasson Dominguez. Dominguez, a switch-hitter, is naturally a right-handed hitter, and his struggles against left-handed pitchers last season were notable. In 104 plate appearances against lefties, Dominguez posted a disappointing .204 batting average and struck out nearly a third of the time.

The Yankees have high hopes for Dominguez, but if the team doesn’t bring in another outfielder, it could place additional expectations on the 22-year-old to step up and contribute consistently against left-handed pitchers. However, it’s worth noting that Dominguez’s limited success against lefties last year could indicate that he might not yet be fully ready for such a role, especially in a pressure-packed lineup like the Yankees’.

Another name that many Yankees fans are eager to see get an opportunity is slugging outfield prospect Spencer Jones. Jones, however, is a left-handed batter, and with the Yankees already needing more balance in the lineup, his inclusion wouldn’t necessarily address the club’s desire for a right-handed bat to balance the platoon splits.

Miguel Andujar’s Missed Opportunity

At one point, it seemed that former Yankees slugger Miguel Andujar could be an intriguing option to bolster the Yankees’ outfield depth. Andujar, who has experience playing both the outfield and third base, was seen as a potential reclamation project. However, just as the Yankees might have been considering bringing him back, Andujar signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the San Diego Padres. This move removed another potential player from the Yankees’ pool of options.

While the Yankees might have liked to add Andujar for depth, especially given his versatility, they now find themselves with even fewer choices as they approach spring training.

Cashman’s Slim Chances

As the offseason winds down, it seems that Cashman’s chances of securing a game-changing outfield bat are becoming slimmer. With the clock ticking and spring training just around the corner, the Yankees’ roster is beginning to resemble the one that lost in the 2025 American League Division Series to the Toronto Blue Jays.

The Yankees were hopeful that they could add a right-handed outfielder to address their offensive and defensive needs, but as the market narrows and potential targets sign elsewhere, the club’s remaining options are limited. With the team reporting to Tampa next week, they must decide whether to move forward with the existing roster or make a final push for another acquisition. The pressure is on, and with fewer viable options, Cashman may be forced to make do with what he has, while hoping that the team can make adjustments and take advantage of the talent already in place.

As the Yankees head into spring training, the situation remains fluid, and the team will continue to assess its options. Whether they add another outfielder or rely on their existing players to fill the gap, the decision could have a significant impact on the Yankees’ chances in the 2026 season. The clock is ticking, and the Yankees will need to act fast if they want to complete their roster before the start of the season.