Yankees free agency targets: Ranking the 8 best options for New York, from Pete Alonso to Bo Bichette

The Yankees enter a pivotal offseason: re-signing Cody Bellinger or targeting Bo Bichette or Pete Alonso could reshape the lineup, while rotation depth looms with Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole unlikely for Opening Day. Betting angle: a Bellinger return would likely shorten New York’s AL East and World Series odds and push team run total Over markets; bettors should favor lineup-driven props but wait on futures until rotation health is clearer.

Yankees off-season stakes: lineup power vs. pitching depth

The Yankees closed a 16-year championship drought in 2025 without a title, and this winter shapes whether they truly push for 2026. New York added bullpen help at the July deadline and acquired Ryan McMahon for third base, but uncertainty in the rotation and several impending free agents make this a consequential off-season. With Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole unlikely to be ready by Opening Day, the club may pursue short-term starting help plus impact bats.

Primary roster priorities

The most urgent areas for upgrades are: - Outfield: re-signing Cody Bellinger is a top priority; Trent Grisham’s breakout season complicates budget decisions. - First base: Paul Goldschmidt heads to free agency; Ben Rice could take the job but the Yankees may pursue a platoon or big-ticket bat. - Rotation: short-term depth needed if Cole and Rodón are delayed. - Catcher and bench: a part-time, offensive-minded catcher to challenge Austin Wells.

Top free-agent targets the Yankees should consider

8. Ryan Helsley — RP/closer

Helsley offers late-inning upside if the Yankees want a high-leverage arm. Despite a rough short stint elsewhere, his 2022–24 track record includes sub-2.00 ERA stretches and elite strikeout rates. He could accept a set-up role to rebuild value and stabilize the back end.

7. Victor Caratini — C

Caratini is a veteran backup catcher who offers consistent offense for the position, posting solid OPS figures recently and showing surprising pop. He would be a sensible, low-risk part-time complement to Austin Wells and a candidate to push for regular plate appearances against right-handed pitching.

6. Michael King — SP

King has multi-role experience and an attractive recent ERA profile. Familiar with New York, he can function as a swing starter or high-leverage long reliever. King’s health is the main variable, but he would add quality innings and insurance for the rotation.

5. Nick Martinez — SP

Martinez’s versatility between starts and relief makes him a pragmatic target while Cole and Rodón recover. He’s a contact manager with a track record of durability and low walk rates; he would buy the Yankees time without forcing its rotation alignment long-term.

4. Pete Alonso — 1B

Alonso delivers consistent power and run production, threatening 30–40 homers annually. Adding him would significantly boost New York’s middle-of-the-order OPS, though contact rate and defensive fit at first base would be considerations. He’d become an instant focal point of the lineup.

3. Kazuma Okamoto — 1B/3B

Okamoto’s recent high average and strong OPS overseas make him an appealing, cost-efficient option to platoon at first or slide to third if needed. He’s a potential short-term answer if the Yankees prefer a safer payroll route versus a marquee signing.

2. Bo Bichette — SS

Bichette is an elite contact bat who would be a transformative offensive addition. Defensive questions could force a future move off shortstop, but his 200-hit pace and on-base skills would provide consistent top-of-order production. The Yankees would need to weigh long-term positional logistics.

1. Cody Bellinger — OF (priority)

Bellinger is the Yankees’ top free-agent target. He produced strong run production in 2025 and fits well in the Bronx, combining power and on-base ability without a prohibitive price tag compared with other elite outfielders. Retaining him would stabilize the outfield and preserve New York’s lineup balance.

Rotation and bullpen strategy

With Cole and Rodón not expected for Opening Day, the Yankees should pursue short-term starting options who can eat innings and buy time. Flexible arms like Michael King or Nick Martinez are appealing. The bullpen is in better shape after midseason moves, but an elite late-inning arm remains an attractive luxury if price and fit align.

Short-term moves vs. long-term construction

The Yankees face a choice: spend to immediately elevate the lineup with a bat like Pete Alonso or Bo Bichette, or allocate resources to pitching depth and retain payroll flexibility. A balanced approach — retaining Bellinger while adding cost-effective pitching depth — would mitigate risk but could leave unanswered questions at first base or shortstop.

Betting implications and market advice

A Bellinger re-signing would likely shorten New York’s AL East and World Series futures and raise team run-total projections. Bettors should: - Consider Over on Yankees team runs if Bellinger returns. - Delay long-term futures bets until rotation health is clarified; the market will react sharply once Cole/Rodón timelines are announced. - Explore player props tied to lineup stability (RBI/HR) if high-profile bats are retained. - Value playing short-term contracts for pitching depth before committing to rotation-dependent futures.

Bottom line

This offseason will hinge on whether the Yankees prioritize offensive retention (Cody Bellinger) and potential impact signings (Bo Bichette, Pete Alonso) or shore up pitching depth for the near term. Bettors and front-office planners alike should watch rotation updates closely — those timelines will determine whether the club chases a big bat, a frontline starter, or a mix of pragmatic depth moves.

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