Here’s the latest Yankees free agency and trade buzz during the 2024-25 MLB offseason…
Feb. 27, 9:45 p.m.
With Giancarlo Stanton‘s status for the start of the 2025 season up in the air, the Yankees have reportedly reached out to a potential replacement from outside of the organization.
The NY Post’s Jon Heyman reports that there’s been “some contact” with J.D. Martinez. But as Heyman points out, it could be difficult to bring in Martinez (37) as just a stopgap option at DH.
Martinez signed with the Mets late last offseason and didn’t make his team debut until April 26. He finished slashing .235/.320/.406 with a .726 OPS while launching 16 home runs and driving in 69 runs across 120 games in Flushing.
Feb. 6, 11:15 p.m.
The Yankees are still in the market for an infielder and Nolan Arenado remains a potential target.
MLB.com’s John Denton reports that the Cardinals have reengaged with the Red Sox, Yankees and Dodgers about possible restructured deals for Arenado. Denton added that the Cardinals and Red Sox have spoken in recent days about a trade for the perennial All-Star. Denton notes that in earlier talks, St. Louis refused to pay as much as $20 million towards Arenado’s remaining $64 million contract. That sticking point broke down talks in early January, but now the Cardinals are looking to negotiate further.
For the Yankees, Arenado would solve their hole at third base. Jazz Chisholm Jr. would shift over to second base and the Yanks would avoid a split situation between DJ LeMahieu, Oswaldo Cabrera and Oswald Peraza.
Jan. 29, 1:08 p.m.
Right-handed reliever Tommy Kahnle, whom the Yankees had interest in re-signing, is inking a one-year deal with the Tigers for $7.75 million, per multiple reports.
Kahnle, who is entering his age-35 season, was coming off back-to-back strong years for the Yanks after missing the better part of three seasons (2020 to 2022) while dealing with various injuries.
He had a 2.66 ERA and 1.10 WHIP in 40.2 innings over 42 appearances in 2023, and posted a 2.11 ERA and 1.14 WHIP in 42.2 innings over 50 appearances in 2024.
The 50 games Kahnle pitched in this past season were the most he had been in since making 72 appearances for the Yanks in 2019.
The Yankees’ bullpen will be anchored by new closer Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. Other relief options on the 40-man roster include Ian Hamilton, Mark Leiter Jr., and Jonathan Loaisiga.
Loaisiga, whom New York re-signed earlier this offseason, is a bit of a wild card after pitching just 21.2…