Five trade candidates the Yankees should monitor in 2025 to help replace Gerrit Cole include Dylan Cease, Sandy Alcantara, Zac Gallen, Luis Castillo, and Ryan Weathers. Each of these pitchers brings unique talents that could enhance the Yankees’ rotation as they navigate the challenges of the upcoming season.
The Yankees’ strategy shifted dramatically when Juan Soto declined their offer to remain in New York. In response, the organization aimed to fortify its pitching lineup, hoping to counterbalance any potential offensive declines. Their plan appeared robust, especially with the potential acquisition of Max Fried, the leading left-handed starter available, along with Devin Williams, a two-time All-Star and elite closer. However, as general manager Brian Cashman wisely notes, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.”
Entering spring training, the Yankees boasted one of the top three rotations in baseball. Unfortunately, as Opening Day approaches, the situation has deteriorated, with 40% of their starting pitchers on the injured list. Gerrit Cole’s recent Tommy John surgery has left a significant void. Meanwhile, Luis Gil, the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, is sidelined for at least three months due to a severe lat strain. Clarke Schmidt is also facing challenges with a back issue, further complicating the Yankees’ pitching depth. Fried, now stepping up as the team’s ace, has his own injury history, raising concerns about his long-term reliability.
If the Yankees can weather these setbacks, they may find opportunities to bolster their pitching staff through trades as the summer approaches. Rival executives view New York’s farm system as lacking depth, yet the Yankees might have to part with promising prospects to secure a championship-caliber roster alongside their star player, Aaron Judge. Several starting pitchers are worth monitoring in the early season, as they could be trade targets to help replace Cole.
Dylan Cease stands out as a potential trade candidate, although the Yankees are unlikely to pursue him before Opening Day due to the need to sacrifice top prospects like Jasson Dominguez and Will Warren. By the July trade deadline, however, the Yankees may gain clarity on which prospects are expendable enough to facilitate a deal for the talented right-hander.
Cease is set to become a free agent after this season, which would make him a one-year rental option for the Yankees. After being traded from the White Sox to the Padres, he led MLB with 33 starts, finishing the season with a 3.47 ERA. If the Padres find themselves in a selling position, Cease would attract considerable interest, and the Yankees should be among the teams vying for his services.
Another name to watch is Sandy Alcantara, the 2022 NL Cy Young award winner. The Marlins are likely to part with him as they continue their rebuilding efforts. However, acquiring Alcantara will be costly, requiring the Yankees to part with two of their top five prospects, potentially including Dominguez and another high-caliber player. Alcantara’s long-term contract, which extends through 2028, adds to the complexity of any potential trade.
Zac Gallen is another intriguing option. The Diamondbacks may consider trading him if they fall out of contention. Gallen’s impressive strikeout rate and past accolades make him a valuable asset. However, acquiring him would require a significant offer, especially with his impending free agency.
Luis Castillo is known for his consistency on the mound. The Yankees should keep a close watch on him as the Mariners may be willing to trade if the right offer comes along. Castillo’s track record of innings pitched and solid ERA makes him an attractive target for New York, despite the financial implications of a long-term deal.
Lastly, Ryan Weathers could be a potential reunion candidate for the Yankees. Having previously been part of a trade that landed Soto, Weathers impressed during his first full season. If he continues to perform well, he could become a highly sought-after rental option for the Yankees, although acquiring him may still require parting with a valuable prospect.
The Yankees face a challenging road ahead, but by monitoring these five pitchers, they can position themselves to make impactful trades as they seek to replace Cole and strengthen their rotation for the future. Keeping an eye on the trade market will be essential as the season unfolds.
