Here's the latest Yankees free agency and trade buzz during the 2025-26 MLB offseason...
Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m.
The Yankees have lost another bullpen arm to free agency, as the Braves announced that they've signed right-handed reliever Ian Hamilton to a non-guaranteed one-year deal.
Hamilton was a staple in New York's bullpen over the past three seasons.
The club decided to non-tender him this winter, though, after he put together a bit of an up-and-down campaign.
He pitched to a 4.28 ERA and issued 22 walks over 40 innings of work.
Atlanta will look for him to rebound in a bullpen that's also added Robert Suarez and retained Raisel Iglesias this winter.
Dec. 19, 11:25 a.m.
Former Yankee Michael Kingre-signed with the San Diego Padres on a three-year, $75 million deal on Thursday night, despite some buzz that he could return to New York.
However, according to a report from the NY Post's Jon Heyman, the Yankees did not make an offer to King and "have other targets" on their radar.
Over five seasons with the Yanks from 2019-2023, King made 115 appearances (19 starts) and posted a 3.38 ERA over 247.2 innings. He was then part of the blockbuster trade with the Padres that brought Juan Soto to the Bronx ahead of the 2024 season.
King transitioned to a starter with the Padres and made 45 starts (46 games total) over two seasons, going 18-12 with a 3.10 ERA and 277 strikeouts.
Among the "other targets" New York could pursue include OF Cody Bellinger, who had a strong 2025 with the Yanks and is expected to get a five or six-year deal.
Dec. 17, 3:50 p.m.
Luke Weaver signed a reported two-year, $22 million deal with the Mets on Wednesday and it seems like the Yankees were not looking to bring back the right-hander.
Joel Sherman of the NY Post reported that the Yankees were not part of the bidding to try to retain Weaver.
The Athletic reported earlier this week that both sides had mutual interest in a potential reunion after Weaver pitched to a 3.22 ERA and a 0.994 WHIP in 129 appearances across three seasons in the Bronx.
Dec. 16, 8:59 a.m.
The Yankees have "genuine" interest in a reunion with right-handed reliever Luke Weaver, reports Chris Kirschner of The Athletic, who notes that the interest is mutual.
Kirschner adds that roughly 10 teams have contacted Weaver's camp this offseason.
Weaver, 32, was solid for New York last season, with a 3.62 ERA (3.89 FIP) and 1.02 WHIP with 72 strikeouts in 64.2 innings.
His best season came in 2024, when he had a 2.89 ERA and 0.92 WHIP in 84.0 innings while striking out 103 -- a rate of 11.0 per nine.
If brought back, Weaver would likely be one of the main bridges to closer David Bednar.
Dec. 14, 7:35 p.m.
While reports indicated that the San Francisco Giants "do not anticipate making the nine-figure investment" required to sign free agents this offseason, they aren't checked out of the marketplace altogether.
The San Francisco Chronicle’s Susan Slusser reported recently that the Giants “have checked in on” Cody Bellinger, the Yankees' No. 1 target.
Bellinger proved to be a big part of the Yanks' last season, contributing well on both sides of the ball with 29 home runs, 98 RBI, and a .272/.334/.480 slash line for an .813 OPS (125 OPS+ and wRC+) while ranking in the 93rd percentile in outs above average (seven) and with 12 defensive runs saved.
Dec. 11, 12:21 p.m.
The Yankees "have listened" when it comes to a potential Jazz Chisholm Jr. trade, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Chisholm is set to earn roughly $12 million via arbitration in 2026 in what is his final season before free agency.
He spent time at third base (28 starts) and second base (96 starts) in 2025 -- and was not thrilled with his time at third, noting "everybody knows I'm a second baseman."
Offensively, Chisholm had a big season, posting an .813 OPS while hitting 31 home runs.
The Yankees' infield is unsettled. Ben Rice is penciled in at first base, with Ryan McMahon at third base. But the shortstop situation is in flux with Anthony Volpe expected to miss the start of the 2026 season after having shoulder surgery.
Other infield options include Jose Caballero and Oswaldo Cabrera.
Dec. 10, 7:26 p.m.
Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta is a hot name on the trade market this offseason, and the Yankees are among the teams reportedly looking to add him to their team.
According to Will Sammon and Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Yankees are one of five teams looking to trade for Peralta, joining the Orioles, Red Sox, Giants and Astros. Other clubs like the Mets had previously reported interest in a trade for Peralta.
The news comes just days after the Brewers made it known they were open for business on a trade.
With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon starting the 2026 season on the IL, the Yankees would hope Peralta gives them the depth needed to get through a season until their big arms return.
Dec. 8, 9:50 p.m.
Looking for bullpen help, the Yankees have shown an interest in right-hander Brad Keller, according to a report from Gary Phillips of The New York Daily News on Monday.
Nothing is imminent between Keller and the Yanks, Phillips reported, adding that two or three teams are considering signing the 30-year-old free agent as a starting pitcher.
Keller is coming off his best year as a professional by far, pitching to a 2.07 ERA and 0.962 WHIP with 75 strikeouts to 22 walks in 69.2 innings over 68 appearances out of the bullpen. The righty has some very attractive attributes: 30.6 percent hard-hit percentage (99th percentile) last year, with a fastball that averaged 97.2 mph and a sinker at 96.7 mph.
Dec. 8, 8:45 p.m.
As the Mets and Yankees continue to look to revamp their bullpen this offseason, they've both called the Brewers about reliever Trevor Megill, according to Joel Sherman of the NY Post.
Megill, of course, is the older brother of Mets starter Tylor Megill.
The 32-year-old would be a tremendous boost at the backend for either club, as he has developed into one of the top relievers in baseball over the past few seasons.
Megill missed time to injury last year, but pitched to a stellar 2.49 ERA and 1.12 WHIP while locking down 30 saves.
Dec. 8, 1:24 p.m.
SNY MLB Insider Andy Martino believes there's a "solid chance" the Yankees will retain free agent Amed Rosario.
Rosario had a .788 OPS in 16 games for the Yanks last season after being acquired from the Nationals ahead of the trade deadline.
The 30-year-old excelled against left-handed pitching in 2025, slashing .302/.328/.491 in 122 plate appearances.
Rosario would provide strong versatility if brought back, with the ability to play shortstop, third base, second base, and left field.
Dec. 7, 9:31 p.m.
While the Yankees reportedly discussed the chance of a reunion with All-Star reliever Devin Williams a few weeks ago, it appears their conversations never intensified.
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman said as much on Sunday night at the Winter Meetings, telling Greg Joyce of the New York Post that the club didn't even make a formal offer to Williams before he signed a three-year deal with the Mets last weekend.
According to Joyce, Cashman asked Williams' agent to keep the Yankees in the loop regarding the right-hander's market, but he didn't get a call prior to Williams signing in Queens. Cashman also noted that Williams' reps never "needed to" update him on the process.
Dec. 4, 11:42 a.m.
While other suitors are certainly in the mix, Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees' No. 1 target, and the club is making a "big effort" to bring him back, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post.
Heyman lists the Mets, Phillies, Angels, and Dodgers as other possibilities.
ESPN's Jeff Passan has previously reported that signing Bellinger would be a "multipart move" for the Yankees, as the club would almost certainly need to move one of their other outfield pieces --potentially Jasson Dominguez or up-and-coming prospect Spencer Jones.
With Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer, the Yanks would have a surplus of outfielders if Bellinger was to re-sign.
Dec. 3, 8:22 p.m.
The high-stakes bidding war for Kyle Tucker officiallyincludes one of the Yankees' division rivals, as the superstar outfielder visited the Blue Jays' facility in Florida on Wednesday, according to a report from Robert Murray of FanSided.
It's no surprise the reigning AL champions are big-game hunting for a new bat. The club signed free-agent starter Dylan Cease to a massive seven-year, $210 million deal and right-hander Cody Ponce to a three-year, $30 million contract in the last week.
Murray reports the Blue Jays are also interested in retaining shortstop Bo Bichette, who could garner an average annual value above $20 million.
Tucker would make the Blue Jays' lineup even more imposing. In his lone season with the Cubs, the 28-year-old slashed .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs and 25 steals. His seven-year run with the Astros was far more impressive, though -- he hit .274 with 125 homers and 417 RBI.
Only time will tell if the Yankees make a legitimate run at Tucker's services. His contract demands seem too rich for their blood, and the Yankees have stated they're focused on re-signing Cody Bellinger, who'd come at a much lower price.
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