**3 Yankees Likely to Leave This Offseason Despite Staying at the Trade Deadline**
The Yankees were somewhat active during the trade deadline, but GM Brian Cashman missed the opportunity to move three players who likely won’t be part of the team’s future. While the Yankees did bring in Jazz Chisholm, Mark Leiter, and Enyel De Los Santos, they could have done more. The front office might face criticism for not offloading players who don’t seem to have a long-term place in New York.
Of course, making trades is often more complex than it appears. Many factors, such as finding trade partners willing to take on unwanted players and dealing with high salaries, made it difficult for the Yankees to part ways with certain individuals. However, fans attached to any of the three players listed below may want to savor their remaining time in pinstripes, as they are likely to be gone once the offseason begins.
**1. Alex Verdugo**
Alex Verdugo was brought in to improve the Yankees’ contact hitting, but his season has been inconsistent. With free agency looming, his future with the team is uncertain. Verdugo is earning just under $9 million this year, which could make him too expensive to retain, especially since the Yankees are looking to reduce payroll to afford a big contract for Juan Soto. Jasson Dominguez, with his lower salary, is expected to take an outfield spot next season.
The Yankees likely found it challenging to trade Verdugo at the deadline due to his expiring contract. He might have been more valuable to the Yankees for the remainder of the season than to any potential trade partner, especially given his recent improvement at the plate. While there’s a slim chance he could return if he takes a significant pay cut or if Soto isn’t re-signed, it’s more probable that Verdugo will seek a more lucrative contract elsewhere.
**2. Anthony Rizzo**
Anthony Rizzo’s extended stint on the Injured List kept him from being a trade candidate, but now that he’s set to return, the Yankees face a tough decision regarding his future. Rizzo’s absence opened the door for rookie Ben Rice, who has shown promise despite his limited experience. Rice, originally a catcher who has adapted to first base, offers the team versatility that could give him an edge over Rizzo in the long term.
The Yankees can delay a decision on Rizzo by keeping him off the roster until September 1st, when rosters expand. If Rizzo stays for the final year of his contract, the Yankees would owe him $17 million—a steep price for a first baseman who hasn’t been an above-average hitter for over a year. Alternatively, they could buy him out for $6 million, freeing up payroll space for a potential Soto extension. Unless Rizzo delivers an outstanding performance in the final stretch, it’s unlikely he’ll be with the Yankees beyond this season.
**3. Gleyber Torres**
Gleyber Torres was once seen as a cornerstone of the Yankees’ future, but his stagnation at the plate and defensive issues have worn out his welcome in New York. The acquisition of Jazz Chisholm at the trade deadline indicates the Yankees are preparing to move on from Torres.
Despite his flaws, Torres still has enough offensive upside to secure a sizable contract in free agency. This is his final season under team control, and he’ll likely seek a big payday, which the Yankees may not be in a position to offer. The team’s frustration with Torres’ mental lapses, such as his recent benching for lack of effort on the base paths, may have sealed his fate.
While some fans still see star potential in Torres, at 27, he should already be realizing that potential. The Yankees may offer him a deal that reflects his current performance, but another team will likely take a chance on fixing his issues. Torres is unlikely to be the Yankees’ starting second baseman when the 2025 season begins.
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