Catcher? Bullpen? Outfielder? What are the New York Yankees targeting at the trade deadline?

Earlier this month, while Brian Cashman was assessing the team's lineup, help was already en route. Max Fried is pushing to reclaim his spot in the rotation, and Carlos Rodón is expected to follow soon after. The Yankees' starting pitching depth is a luxury. What truly keeps Cashman and the baseball operations staff awake at night are the other parts of the roster. The team's base has now moved to the Yankees' training facility in Tampa, Florida, where they will operate until the trade deadline at 6:00 AM Beijing time on August 4th.

"I talk to Cash almost every day, and I also text other front office folks, sending them my thoughts," manager Aaron Boone said Thursday. "They're all there, ready to jump on any opportunity. When the moment comes, they'll act decisively." Earlier, Cashman mentioned that some of the team's hitters were "gripping the bat too tightly," trying too hard to produce impressive numbers. That situation largely remains, and the team's 7-4 record since the All-Star break has been driven primarily by excellent pitching.

"I think we'll stay open-minded at the deadline and look for ways to improve. That's it, nothing more to say," Cashman said. "We'll evaluate what's available in the market and push forward on any meaningful options."

Catcher

After Cashman publicly called the Yankees' catcher situation a "problem," something interesting happened: Austin Wells and Ali Sánchez started turning things around with their performance. Wells has quickly rediscovered his form since the All-Star break, while Sánchez has excelled against left-handed pitching. The Yankees are still exploring other options. Rockies All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman is an ideal candidate, but a deal seems unlikely. They have been linked to Twins' Ryan Jeffers for months, but Minnesota is back in the postseason race and views themselves as buyers. They've also looked at Reds' Tyler Stephenson, a right-handed hitter who offers offensive upside, but the Yankees are not entirely satisfied with his defense. Additionally, the Mets are expected to field offers for Francisco Alvarez and Luis Torrens. A potential dark horse is Cardinals' backup catcher Pedro Pagés, who provides top-tier defense.

Outfielder

Even before Cody Bellinger strained his left hamstring in Philadelphia, the Yankees were already searching for a right-handed-hitting outfielder. Aaron Judge hasn't swung a bat since May 31, and Giancarlo Stanton's potential return timeline remains unclear. Public reports have linked the Yankees to both right-handed and left-handed hitters. Royals' Lane Thomas is a realistic option. He is a right-handed hitter approaching free agency who can play all three outfield positions. The Yankees have also inquired about Angels' Jo Adell, who offers more power and is under contract at least through next season. Mets' Tyrone Taylor has been on a hot streak lately and could lengthen the lineup until the Yankees' injured players return. Other potential targets include Cardinals' Lars Nootbaar, Rockies' Mickey Moniak, and Giants' Heliot Ramos.

Bullpen

In March, the Yankees envisioned putting flame-throwing prospect Carlos Lagrange in the bullpen as a second-half weapon. A right shoulder capsular strain derailed those plans, forcing the Yankees to search the market for a swing-and-miss reliever. Padres' Mason Miller is their dream target—his contract runs through 2029—but San Diego's asking price will be steep, and there's no guarantee they'll move him. The Padres are known to have inquired about Yankees' infield prospect Dax Kilby, a first-round pick from last year who would only be part of a potential Miller trade. Padres GM A.J. Preller might prefer to trade impending free agent Adrian Morejon, but his price tag won't be low either. Other possible additions include Padres' Jeremiah Estrada, Mets' Luke Weaver, and Cardinals' JoJo Romero.

Starting Pitcher

Four years ago, the Yankees made a surprising trade, sending away Jordan Montgomery because they determined he wouldn't start in the postseason rotation. That's worth remembering, as they currently project Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Cam Schlittler, and Carlos Rodón to handle postseason starts. Any potential rotation addition must elevate this top-tier group. Thus, while the Yankees are widely linked to Tigers' ace Tarik Skubal, New York so far hasn't appeared to be a frontrunner in the sweepstakes for the two-time Cy Young Award winner. An interesting footnote: the Yankees were among the teams that sent scouts to watch Clay Holmes' minor league rehab start with the Mets this week. Holmes is recovering well from a right fibula fracture, and the Yankees know him very well. Holmes is believed to be open to returning to the Bronx, whether as a starter or reliever. Other names on the radar include Reds' Brady Singer, Royals' Michael Wacha, and Angels' Reid Detmers.