Impacts of MLB Trade Deadline Reach Beyond the Ballpark
Yankees Bolster Bullpen and Bench During MLB Trade Deadline
The 2025 MLB trade deadline saw a flurry of activity, with the New York Yankees actively pursuing several acquisitions to bolster their roster. Despite intense efforts, the team was unable to secure a front-line starting pitcher, particularly in negotiations with the Marlins for Sandy Alcantara or Edward Cabrera.
However, the Yankees made significant strides in other areas. The team transformed their bullpen from a weakness to a strength by acquiring three key relievers: David Bednar from the Pirates, Camilo Doval from the Giants, and Jake Bird from the Rockies. These moves brought multiple quality late-inning options and greater depth to the bullpen.
To improve offense, especially against left-handed pitchers, the Yankees added outfielder Austin Slater to strengthen the bench. They also addressed the third base situation by acquiring Ryan McMahon, upgrading over previous options at that position.
The Yankees' roster shuffle comes as outfielder Aaron Judge finds himself on the 10-day injured list due to a flexor strain in his right elbow. Devin Williams, who has 17 saves in 18 opportunities this season, is a free agent at the end of the season.
The Yankees are not done yet, as they continue to seek another front-line pitcher, bullpen help, and an outfielder. Aaron Boone, the team's manager, expects Judge to DH initially and then return to the outfield. Arizona starting pitchers Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly are high on the Yankees' list.
Meanwhile, the Rays juggled their catchers due to trades, including a concurrent deal with Miami for Nick Fortes. Manager Kevin Cash expressed concern about the impact of trades on the chemistry of the club. Tampa Bay catcher Danny Jansen was a late scratch from the lineup and was traded by the Rays to the Brewers on Monday.
Other notable moves during the deadline include the Arizona Diamondbacks trading Josh Naylor and Randal Grichuk. Grichuk was traded during a game in Pittsburgh and was told he was traded for minor league pitcher Andrew Hoffman. The New York Mets and Padres are among the teams that have also made significant moves during the deadline.
The Diamondbacks, who are sellers, have players such as Eugenio Suarez, Zac Gallen, and Merrill Kelly who are pending free agents and awaiting their fate. The Yankees have already made two trades, acquiring Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies and Amed Rosario from the Washington Nationals.
The Yankees will not trade closer Devin Williams before the Major League Baseball trade deadline, ensuring that they have a reliable arm in the ninth inning for the remainder of the season. Grichuk, who played for the Kansas City Royals on Sunday after the trade, had a single in four at-bats in his first game with the Brewers.
As the MLB season enters its final stretch, teams continue to make moves to improve their chances of making it to the postseason. The Yankees, despite falling short in their pursuit of a front-line starting pitcher, have made significant improvements to their bullpen and bench, positioning themselves well for the playoff push.
The Yankees added Austin Slater to their bench to boost their offense, particularly against left-handed pitchers, and Ryan McMahon to upgrade the third base position, showing their commitment to improving for the playoff push. Despite failing to secure a front-line starting pitcher during the trade deadline, the Yankees improved their bullpen significantly, acquiring David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird.
