Yankees Offseason Notes: On the AL East, Bullpen and Outfield

The baseball offseason is in full swing with the Yankees AL East rival signing right-hander Dylan Cease to a seven year deal worth $210M, with deferrals.

With AL East teams making moves around them, the clock is beginning to tick on the Yankees offseason. While normally deals for the big fish free agents don't happen till the first week of December at the annual Winter Meetings, teams will begin to develop offseason plans.

I have been candid in other pieces that the Yankees can't just "run it back" and expect a different result. Something needs to change.

Some Offseason Notes:

Outfield:

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – APRIL 4: Kyle Tucker #30 of the Chicago Cubs bats in a game against the San Diego Padres at Wrigley Field on April 4, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (

• While the Yankees have expressed their intent to keep Cody Bellinger in pinstripes long term, they are forgetting one issue that might stand in their way -- Scott Boras. While Bellinger gets the final say on where he ends up, Scott Boras will be by his side the whole way. This might get another New York bidding war. Steve Cohen would love to steal another coveted free agent away from the Yankees,. It won't just be the Mets involved. Sources indicated this week that with the Los Angels Angels restructuring Anthony Rendon's contract, forcing him into retirement, they could be primed to make a run at the lefty.

• Due to the Bellinger situation, Kyle Tucker might become the Yankees backup plan this offseason. If Tucker is willing to take a short-term deal, that could be up the Yankees ally for an acquisition this offseason. Tucker could provide the Yankees with stardom in the Bronx and could provide Judge with another tandem character to win with.

Relief Pitching:

Image of JoJo Romero.

• The St. Louis Cardinals are open for business this offseason. There are some appealing names on their roster, but one that sticks out to me is lefty JoJo Romero. Romero is an experienced high-leverage reliever, even with some closing experience. In 2025, Romero posted a 3.62 ERA with a 1.22 WHIP across 64.2 innings while striking out 68 and walking 24. He was particularly effective against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .189 average and a .258 wOBA. Right-handers gave him some struggles, with a .261 average and .330 wOBA against. Despite some volatility, Romero remained a reliable bullpen piece. He converted 12 holds and allowing runs in only 3 of his final 15 appearances.

Starting Pitching/Imai:

Image of Tatsuya Imai. Credit: MLB.Com

• The Athletic reported earlier this week that the Yankees are expect to "earnestly pursue" Tatsuya Imai. Imai is slated to be one of the more coveted free agent starters on the market this offseason, but the list of teams that fit Imai is dwindling. He told former MLB starter Daisuke Matsuzaka on his podcast that he wants to win, take down the Dodgers, and be on a team without another Japanese player. The Yankees check all three boxes. Not to mention, the Yankees have some pretty good Japanese ambassadors.