Brian Cashman’s phone burns hot as July 31 approaches, and desperation drives every conversation. Championship dreams hang by a thread, forcing the Bronx Bombers into familiar territory—bold moves that either save seasons or destroy them. And when pinstripes crumble, Cashman gambles everything.
Yankees relievers explode nightly, posting a catastrophic 7.10 ERA and -1.2 fWAR, ranking dead last among American League bullpens this July. Games slip away in the seventh inning. Leads evaporate. Fans boo mercilessly. This bullpen doesn’t just lose games—it destroys championship hopes with surgical precision.
There enters Buster Olney’s bombshell report. “The Yankees continue to work on adding bullpen help, according to rival evaluators, and they have talked with other teams about right-handed hitting outfielders. Former Yankee Harrison Bader is among those discussed, as well as White Sox outfielder Austin Slater. The Yankees’ bullpen has been the weakest part of the team this year, and they will be among the contenders likely to add relief before the deadline,” wrote Olney on his official X handle.
The Yankees continue to work on adding bullpen help, according to rival evaluators, and they have talked with other teams about right-handed hitting outfielders. Former Yankee Harrison Bader is among those discussed, as well as White Sox outfielder Austin Slater.
The Yankees’…
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 28, 2025
Olney revealed that the Yankees continue to work on adding bullpen help while simultaneously discussing right-handed hitting outfielders with other teams. Two names dominate these conversations: former Yankee Harrison Bader (now Twins) and White Sox star Austin Slater.
Bader, their former Gold Glove center fielder who delivered clutch October moments during his 2022-2023 stint, brings that devastating .774 OPS and .456 SLG% against left-handed pitching—numbers that made him invaluable during his Yankee tenure. Meanwhile, Slater represents an entirely new addition, sporting an explosive .908 OPS and 151 wRC+ against lefties this season, with a career .801 OPS in those matchups that screams difference-maker.
Tbh, it makes sense.
Manager Aaron Boone has watched his bullpen implode game after game, and the organization remembers exactly what Bader brought to the table. His seamless transition between center and left field, combined with his playoff pedigree, represents the kind of veteran presence this struggling Yankees squad desperately needs. And Slater is proficient around all three outfield positions, plus he’s an amazing defender, with one OAA and 5 homers in 128 plate appearances.
The Yankees brass isn’t just chasing bullpen help—they’re orchestrating a calculated strategy that involves acquiring right-handed bats while potentially moving left-handed hitters. The pieces are moving, and Bader’s name sits at the center of their master plan.
Yankees trade deadline strategy gets customized
The Yankees walk a dangerous tightrope at this deadline. Aaron Judge’s injury scare has flipped their entire script. When the reigning AL MVP crumpled to the ground, panic consumed the Bronx front office. New York considered becoming sellers if the Judge missed significant time, revealing just how fragile their championship window truly feels right now.
The brutal numbers expose their desperation perfectly. The Yankees have collapsed to 8-12 in July and an embarrassing 22-28 over their last 50 games—hardly the record of aggressive buyers. They’ve made cautious moves, acquiring Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario, but their refusal to meet Arizona’s asking price for Eugenio Suarez signals hesitation rather than championship hunger.
Image: MLB.com
Judge is expected to return as designated hitter soon, maintaining his dominant .312/.436/.681 slash line over four seasons, but confidence damage spreads throughout the organization. And hence, the front office is actively looking for suitable outfield alternatives. The Yanks’ buyer status wavers dangerously while avoiding blockbuster commitments that define genuine contenders. But reportedly, they might not go wrong with either Bader or Slater.
But right now, it seems like their championship urgency has cooled dramatically, favoring future flexibility over aggressive pursuit of elite talent. So, we can expect modest additions rather than franchise-altering moves. But nothing is certain until July 31…
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