The New York Yankees have hit a few bumps in the road as the 2025 season kicks off. The injury news was the talk of the town before the season started, but the biggest blow? Ace Gerrit Cole undergoing Tommy John surgery—definitely a cause for concern in the Bronx.
With Cole sidelined, the rotation was already under pressure, and the team needed other arms to step up in his absence until Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt return from the injured list. But aside from Max Fried, the Yankees’ pitching hasn’t quite met those expectations. The team currently owns a 4.67 ERA, placing them 24th out of all MLB teams. To put it bluntly, New York’s pitching has struggled significantly. With standout players like Aaron Judge and Luke Weaver leading the offense, the Yankees are hovering at a modest 8-7 record, placing them second in the AL East. If the rotation doesn’t improve, it’s shaping up to be a long season for Yankees fans.
Looking ahead, it’s clear that the Bombers will need to target some key players if they want to bolster their pitching staff. Here are five potential acquisitions that could really shake things up if they become available:
Dylan Cease
The Yankees have shown interest in Cease before, and rightfully so. Last season, he led the majors with 33 starts, boasting a 14-11 record and a commendable 3.47 ERA while fanning 224 batters. Despite a rocky start to 2025—his current ERA sits at 7.98—Cease has historically been a top-caliber pitcher. A change of scenery may be exactly what he needs, making this a risk worth taking for New York.
Zac Gallen
Gallen is another intriguing name on the radar as he approaches free agency. With the Diamondbacks already shelling out significant cash for Corbin Burnes, it’s uncertain whether they’ll want to invest heavily in Gallen, who could command upwards of $200 million. If Arizona finds itself out of contention by the trade deadline, the prospect package they could receive in return for Gallen would be hard to resist. He’s proven his worth with a solid 3.29 ERA since his rookie season and has been a key player for the D-Backs, even earning Cy Young votes in the last two years.
Sandy Alcantara
Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young winner, might be the jewel of the trade market if the Marlins decide to shop him. Given Miami’s track record of trading away talent for prospects, it wouldn’t be a shocking move if they offload Alcantara soon—especially considering his lengthy contract that extends into 2028. Although he’s recovering from Tommy John surgery, his track record speaks volumes; he could be a game-changer in the Yankees’ rotation.
Michael King
Could we see a reunion with King? After parting ways with him to acquire Juan Soto, King had a stellar season as a starter for the Padres, logging a 2.95 ERA along with 27.7% strikeout rate. Like Cease, King is set to hit the open market, making him a valuable target for the Yankees if San Diego struggles to stay competitive. And with his modest projected salary increase, he’d be a budget-friendly addition for GM Brian Cashman as they navigate their luxury tax concerns.
Trevor Bauer
And then there’s Trevor Bauer. While his reputation carries some baggage, the idea of signing a former Cy Young winner for a league-minimum salary is hard to ignore. Bauer has been out of the MLB spotlight since 2021, bouncing between leagues in Japan and Mexico, yet his stats reveal he can still perform at a high level: a 2.51 ERA and 295 strikeouts over 251 innings of work. The question is whether the Yankees are willing to take on the drama that may come alongside this potential signing.
The 2025 season has already brought its share of challenges for the Yankees, and the road ahead looks tricky. If they want to stay competitive in the AL East, addressing the pitching staff will be essential.
