The Yankees aren’t shopping out of desperation right now. They’re shopping out of balance.
According to Brendan Kuty of The Athletic, the Yankees have been canvassing both free agency and the trade market in search of a right-handed outfield bat — a signal that the front office sees what’s coming before it becomes a problem.
After bringing Cody Bellinger back into the fold, the projected Opening Day lineup leans heavily left-handed. That’s not a fatal flaw — but it is a strategic one. And internally, it’s clearly on the radar.
Sources: Yankees continuing search for a righty hitting outfielder bat.
W/ @Ken_Rosenthal and @WillSammon.
READ: https://t.co/0yiLpmrO3R
— Brendan Kuty 🧟♂️ (@BrendanKutyNJ) January 31, 2026
Why This Actually Matters
This isn’t about star-hunting. It’s about lineup leverage.
As things stand, the Yankees are lefty-heavy in spots where flexibility matters most. That creates predictable pressure points — especially against left-handed pitching — and contenders don’t survive October by being predictable.
Adding a right-handed bat to the outfield mix gives the Yankees optionality: rest days, matchup plays, and late-game maneuvering without weakening the defense or the bench.
The Platoon Reality
Trent Grisham is a perfect example of why this matters. Against right-handed pitching, he’s been a force. Against lefties? The production drops off noticeably.
That’s not a knock — it’s reality. Most hitters have splits. Smart teams build around them instead of pretending they don’t exist.
A veteran right-handed outfielder who can handle multiple positions would allow the Yankees to protect Grisham, not replace him. That distinction matters.
Options, Not Commitments
The Yankees have surveyed the market. Names have come up. Conversations have happened. But as of now, nothing appears imminent.
This front office isn’t rushing. They’re pricing flexibility, durability, and fit — not chasing the loudest bat left on the board. That’s why this process feels slower than fans want but steadier than fans expect.
Some options bring platoon upside. Others bring defensive coverage. A few come with risk baked in. None are being treated as must-have answers — which explains the patience.
Domínguez, Jones, and the Youth Factor
Jasson Domínguez currently projects as the fourth outfielder, and that tells you two things:
- The Yankees still believe in the talent
- They’re not pretending the development curve is finished
Domínguez showed real promise from the left side last season but struggled right-handed and experienced defensive growing pains. That’s normal at his age — but it’s also not something you build an entire roster strategy around.
Spencer Jones may be knocking on the door, but he’s also a left-handed bat. Long-term, that’s fine. Short-term, it doesn’t solve the immediate imbalance.
Don’t Ignore First Base
The outfield isn’t the only area under review.
Ben Rice earned trust with his production, particularly against left-handed pitching. Still, the Yankees may want to keep him flexible — rotating between first base, catcher reps, and scheduled rest.
That opens the door to another quiet consideration: a right-handed bat who can handle first base without forcing Rice into a rigid role.
It wouldn’t be flashy. It would be functional. And functional wins games.
The Big Picture
This isn’t about chasing headlines. It’s about correcting roster physics.
The Yankees know they’re good. They also know where they’re thin. Adding a right-handed bat — whether in the outfield or at first base — isn’t a luxury. It’s maintenance.
And if the move feels understated when it finally happens? That probably means they got it right.
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