Bold opening: The New York Yankees aren’t operating like a massive, unstoppable force—yet their off-season moves aren’t matching that perception.
In this off-season, New York has re-signed left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, infielder Amed Rosario, and outfielder Trent Grisham after they accepted a $22.025 million qualifying offer. With the American League East packed with aggressive clubs—the Toronto Blue Jays defending champions who have been among the most active, the Boston Red Sox, and the Baltimore Orioles who added star first baseman Pete Alonso and slugger Taylor Ward—the Yankees need to pick up the pace and fortify their roster.
Here are three MLB free agents the Yankees should pursue.
RHP Michael Kopech
Michael Kopech spent the last two seasons with the Dodgers. In 2025 he posted a 2.45 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, 12 strikeouts, a 174 ERA+ and 0.2 wins above replacement over 11 innings pitched. After a path from top White Sox starting pitching prospect to full-time reliever, Kopech thrived with the Dodgers at the end of 2024, recording a 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, and a 359 ERA+ over 24 regular-season innings. He missed time last season due to shoulder and knee injuries but is expected to be fully ready for 2026. Kopech mainly relies on a four-seam fastball but has added a cutter and slider in recent years. He’s known for gas and high strikeout rates and has functioned effectively as a sturdy back-end reliever. Landing Kopech would give New York a high-upside bullpen piece, pairing him with setup options like David Bednar and Camilo Doval in the late innings.
OF Cody Bellinger
Cody Bellinger, a two-time Silver Slugger winner, had a standout 2025 season: 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, a 125 OPS+, 5.1 WAR, and a .272/.334/.480 slash line across 588 at-bats. Bellinger fits virtually any team in need of an outfielder, and even though the Yankees have Grisham, Aaron Judge, Jasson Dominguez, and potentially Spencer Jones, Bellinger was arguably their best everyday position player last season. If the club isn’t pursuing a star outfielder like Kyle Tucker, re-signing Bellinger becomes a priority. He’s in his prime, brings left-handed power, and offers defensive versatility across all three outfield spots. A three- to four-year deal could lock in the Yankees’ outfield for 2026 and beyond, while giving them flexibility to trade Dominguez or Jones if a bigger upgrade at another position presents itself.
IF Munetaka Murakami
Munetaka Murakami is a proven, big-power hitter from Japan, entering discussions as a potential transformative bat for the Yankees. In 2025, Murakami dealt with an injury-shortened season but has a track record of elite performance, including two league MVP awards. Over eight NPBL seasons with the Tokyo Yakult Swallows, he has averaged roughly 33 home runs per year. Murakami is primarily a third baseman but has logged extensive time at first base (266 career appearances) and could shift positions depending on fit. If injured or underperforming at third, he could move to first. The Yankees’ long-term DH plans could also open space for his bat while Giancarlo Stanton’s 2028 club option looms, meaning Murakami could eventually anchor the lineup in multiple ways. His blend of mammoth power, positional versatility, and youth make him an enticing fit, especially for a team eager to maximize upside from prospects like Dominguez and Volpe.
Bottom line: The Yankees have opportunities to reinforce their bullpen, outfield depth, and overall upside with strategic acquisitions. Kopech adds impact reliever potential, Bellinger provides elite left-handed depth with continued offensive impact, and Murakami introduces a high-ceiling, position-flexible bat who could reshape the lineup and future depth chart.
What do you think: would signing any of these players significantly shift the Yankees’ trajectory this season, or are there other targets you’d prioritize? Share your thoughts in the comments.
