The New York Yankees are a heavily left-handed lineup. It makes sense with the short porch in right field. But as it stands right now, the Yankees only have three right-handed hitters in the starting lineup. New York’s offseason has not been great, and they missed on several right-handed hitters. However, with spring training right around the corner, the Yankees are not done making moves as they are still looking to add a right-handed bat.
Their choices in free agency for that righty bat are slim. Eugenio Suarez, although never an option, could have been a fit in New York. There are four right-handed batters on New York’s list, though.
Jon Heyman, while speaking on MLB Network, listed Paul Goldschmidt, Ty France, Austin Slater, and Randal Grichuk as four players on the Yankees’ radar.
“They are definitely going to sign one,” Heyman said.
Yankees Could Bring Back Paul Goldschmidt
Paul Goldschmidt could return to the Yankees.
Goldschmidt has spent the last season in the Bronx, so he is familiar with the ballpark. The former National League MVP does have a desire to play in 2026, but he would have to accept a pay cut no matter where he signs. Additionally, if he signs with New York, Goldschmidt will have to be okay with being a platoon player.
Last season with the Yankees, Goldschmidt slashed .274/.328/.403 with 10 home runs, 45 RBI, and an OPS+ of 104. His power numbers were way down from the past, but he was still a very serviceable hitter.
New York is looking for someone to slot into the lineup against left-handed pitching. Goldschmidt hits lefties really well. Last year, he slashed .336/.411/.570 with seven home runs and 16 RBI.
Bringing back Goldschmidt to hit against lefties would be a great move for New York.
Austin Slater is Another Return Option
GettyAustin Slater has been offered by the Yankees already.
Slater was traded to New York after a decent start to the season by the Chicago White Sox. However, he really struggled to find his footing at Yankee Stadium.
The right-handed bat slashed .120/.120/.120 for the Yankees in just 14 games played. Overall, on the season, though, Slater was much better against left-handed pitching. In fact, he finished with an OPS over .700 against lefties last season.
Slater would be a bench player on many teams in the MLB, but the Yankees could use his bat when needing someone to hit left-handed pitching. The Yankees have already made a contract offer to Slater, as well.
Yankees Interest in Ty France
GettyTy France is a target for the Yankees.
New York has already expressed their interest in France. France was traded at the deadline last season to the Toronto Blue Jays, so he has the American League East experience. That playoff and World Series experience is a huge plus, too.
France would have a great chance to start on a lot of teams in the MLB. However, he would most likely split time in the Bronx. Now, injuries happen, but Ben Rice has earned his chance to be the starter at first base.
Last year, France slashed .257/.320/.360 with seven home runs and 52 RBI. He was a little bit worse against lefties, but his ability to hit for average and stay healthy is an asset.
Randal Grichuk Is a Target for the Yankees
GettyRandal Grichuk has been a target of the Yankees.
Grichuk is a player who would be a platoon player on the team he signs with. This is especially true if he signs with the Yankees. But New York wants someone to hit lefties, and Grichuk does that well.
Last season, Grichuk hit seven of his nine home runs off left-handed hitters, while finishing with an OPS over .700. He is not an everyday player, but the Yankees would be more than happy to slot him when trying to play the matchups.
Grichuk may not be the first choice for the Yankees, but he is certainly not a bad choice.
Yankees Want Another Right-Handed Bat, Four Players On Watchlist