Spring Training is rapidly approaching in MLB, and the New York Yankees still have a chance to turn their offseason around for the better. Brian Cashman and company made their first big splash this past week by signing Cody Bellinger to a five-year contract, but many analysts, reporters, and even fans who follow the Yankees believe more needs to be done, especially in an ultra-competitive AL East.
The good news for the Yankees is that there is still time to make a few more signings, and there is still a lot of production and talented players that can help improve the 2026 team on the market. Some of the small moves the Yankees have made this offseason include Trent Grisham accepting his qualifying offer, New York signing Paul Blackburn, Amed Rosario, and, most recently, Marco Luciano.
Here are three current free agents that the Yankees should sign before Spring Training who can make a big impact if added to the current roster:
More MLB on Heavy: Yankees Take Flyer on Former Giants Top Prospect
Rhys Hoskins
Rhys Hoskins is a name that hasn’t gained much traction on the market to this point, but he would be a solid option for the Yankees to pick up, and can help with balance in the lineup. With the assumption that Paul Goldschmidt will either leave via free agency or retire, that means New York could use a first baseman as his replacement.
It appears Ben Rice is ready to take that leap, but Hoskins would provide another element of depth and power to a roster that already has several 20+ home run candidates.
Hoskins missed some of 2025 due to injury, but has 38 home runs dating back to 2024 in just over 200 games played. Five of his eight MLB seasons have featured him hitting 25+ home runs.
More MLB on Heavy:Mets Acquire Freddy Peralta in Massive Trade That Offloads Jett Williams, Brandon Sproat to Brewers
Austin Hays
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 30: Austin Hays #12 of the Cincinnati Reds reacts after a single against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the seventh inning in game one of the National League Wild Card Series at Dodger Stadium on September 30, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
There have been some steady rumors that the Yankees have been linked to Austin Hays, and New York needs another outfielder to pair with Aaron Judge and Trent Grisham, especially if Jasson Dominguez ends up getting dealt. However, New York did just sign Bellinger, but Bellinger seeing playing time at first is not out of the question either.
Here were Austin Hays’ 2025 stats: .266 batting average, 15 home runs, 105 OPS+. 64 RBIs. He’s a player that any MLB team with a need in the outfield will likely target, so the Yankees would have to outbid clubs like the Mets, Kansas City Royals, and San Francisco Giants.
Nick Martinez
Perhaps the biggest position of need during the remaining offseason period for the Yankees is starting pitching. Nick Martinez is one of the more highly sought-after arms on the market at this time, and would be a great middle-rotation option for New York, providing the team with important innings until Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole are healthy.
In what was really his first year being a full-time starter, Nick Martinez made 26 starts in 2025 and boasted a 4.45 ERA over 165.2 innings. That ability to go deep into games, paired with his low-walk rate, is why he’s such an attractive target this winter.
More MLB on Heavy: Braves-Blue Jays Trade Pitch Sends $131 Million Starter to Atlanta for All-Star Infielder
3 Free Agents the Yankees Should Sign Before Spring Training