Is the Yankee Stockpiling of Minor League Contracts the Bait to Lure a Major Trade Acquisition?
The New York Yankees have been busy this offseason, but not in the way fans hoped. Instead of signing big names, most of their activity has focused on collecting minor league contracts, fueling the league-wide joke that they’re intent on building a AAA powerhouse rather than a championship roster. Some believe this flurry of low-profile acquisitions is part of a master plan to assemble the perfect trade package for a young, proven, controllable pitcher or hitter. More likely, it’s the Yankees’ latest attempt to build cheap depth and hope for a hidden gem in 2026. Which way will they ultimately go?
One thing is clear. The Yankee front office has shown little real interest in pursuing top-line free agents. Instead of making an offer to a proven impact player like Kyle Tucker and ignoring Japanese stars Tatsuya Imai and Kazuma Okamoto, the Yankees stood by and watched as other teams made decisive moves that were easily in their wheelhouse. Their tepid stance on Bo Bichette is just as revealing, dismissing one of the game’s premier hitters simply because he doesn’t fit their ideal defensive profile at shortstop. Time and again, the Yankees have passed on true difference makers, signaling that they have no appetite for bold spending or elite free agent talent.
Aside from their pursuit of Cody Bellinger, the Yankees’ entire offseason has revolved around stockpiling unproven young talent and fringe veterans on minor league contracts. They’ve signed more than a dozen players to minor league contracts, including shortstops Jonathan Ornelas and Zack Short, pitchers Yerry Rodriguez and Cardinals Adam Kloffenstein, as well as catchers Ali Sanchez and former Marlin Payton Henry. They even selected Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 Draft, this year’s version of Luke Weaver. The sheer volume is striking; the Yankees have added nearly 20 players with little major league impact, most of whom posted below-average numbers in limited MLB action or are still searching for their first real shot. Of the entire group, perhaps the most notable is 2019 Cardinals all-star infielder Paul DeJong, who hit just .207 with 14 home runs last season, a modest upgrade, but hardly the kind of move that changes a team’s trajectory. This flurry of activity leads to speculation that GM Brian Cashman has a major move up his sleeve.
These numerous minor league signings imply that this is more about assembling assets for future trades. With reports linking the Yankees to pitchers like Edward Cabrera of the Marlins and Freddy Peralta of the Brewers, it’s clear that landing such talent will require a compelling package of prospects. Name prospects like Ben Hess, Jasson Dominguez, and Spencer Jones have already surfaced in trade rumors, underscoring the importance of a deep farm system. By reinforcing their minor league ranks, the Yankees are positioning themselves to outbid rivals and put together the most attractive offers when the right trade opportunity arises. Even the latest Jazz Chisholm Jr. for Nico Hoerner rumor suggests that these new additions could be key pieces in sweetening deals for premium targets. In essence, the Yankees are treating their influx of minor leaguers as currency for pursuing the best trade options available.
The secondary reason behind the Yankees’ barrage of minor league signings is far more practical, fitting squarely within the organization’s analytical mindset. With persistent injuries and depth issues at catcher, shortstop, and in the bullpen, the Yankees are focused on plugging gaps and creating competition, hoping that at least one or two hidden gems will emerge from the crowd. On a team intent on running it back, these moves are their version of resourceful problem-solving rather than risk-taking. Ultimately, the Yankees aren’t just hunting for a surprise breakout; they’re after security. By overloading on minor league contracts, they ensure stability and flexibility at key positions, giving themselves insurance policies for whatever 2026 might bring. Two options have been presented. The direction they choose to take will become clearer as time passes. The jury is still out on whether the Yankees will actually use the bait they possess to hook a big fish.
