The Yankees' Spring Training is just days away, but their roster still feels incomplete, leaving fans and management alike wondering who will fill that crucial outfield spot! It's a familiar feeling for many, as the team heads to Tampa, Florida, with their lineup still a work in progress. While the Yankees have made some significant moves, like re-signing Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million deal and bringing back Trent Grisham on a one-year qualifying offer of $22 million, General Manager Brian Cashman is still on the hunt for another outfielder.
The current plan, as reported by Joel Sherman of the New York Post, is to find a righty-hitting outfielder who can handle left field against left-handed pitchers. This would allow Bellinger to shift to center field and Grisham to serve as a valuable bench option. But here's where it gets tricky: this righty bat might even be considered for first base if the right opportunity arises.
And this is the part most people miss: The free agent market for this specific type of player is looking pretty bare. Many of the ideal candidates, like Austin Hays and Rob Refnsnyder, who are known for their strong performances against lefties, have already signed with other clubs.
So, who's left on the Yankees' radar? The team has reportedly discussed the possibility of reuniting with Austin Slater or bringing in Randal Grichuk. Both players have a history of hitting left-handed pitching well. However, the situation with Slater has now been clarified, as he has inked a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Chicago White Sox.
As for Grichuk, his recent performance has raised some concerns. While he was a formidable hitter against lefties between 2022 and 2024, posting a robust .317 batting average with a .940 OPS, his numbers dipped last season. In 183 plate appearances against lefties in 2025, his batting average fell to .227 with a .703 OPS. Grichuk, a 12-year MLB veteran at 34 years old, has played for several teams throughout his career, including the Cardinals, Blue Jays, Rockies, Angels, Diamondbacks, and Royals.
Under Pressure: What if the Yankees don't sign anyone else? If the Yankees decide to move forward with their current roster, it could place considerable pressure on young prospect Jasson Dominguez. Although he's a switch-hitter, Dominguez is naturally a right-handed batter. Last season, he struggled against left-handed pitching, hitting just .204 in 104 plate appearances and striking out nearly a third of the time. Many fans are eager to see the powerful outfield prospect Spencer Jones get a chance, but he's a lefty bat, which wouldn't help balance the lineup.
Another intriguing name that has surfaced is former Yankee Miguel Andujar. He possesses experience at both the outfield and third base positions. However, he recently signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the San Diego Padres, removing him as an option.
At this stage, the chances of Cashman acquiring a truly game-changing outfield bat appear slim. It feels like time is running out for the Yankees, who are set to begin spring training with a roster that bears a striking resemblance to the one that was eliminated in the 2025 American League Division Series by the Toronto Blue Jays. What do you think? Should the Yankees take a risk on a player with declining stats, or is it time to embrace the current roster and see what the young talent can do? Let us know in the comments below!
