Yankees: Will They Trade an Outfielder in 2026?

The New York Yankees face a familiar, complicated dilemma as they gear up for the new season: chasing a title while trying not to stunt their young talent. After a hectic offseason—bringing back a key veteran—the team suddenly has a pile of outfielders and not much clarity about who fits where.

How will this roster logjam shape the Yankees’ plans? Young stars, trade rumors, championship hopes—it all hangs in the balance.

The Impact of Cody Bellinger’s Return

Re-signing Cody Bellinger on a five-year deal sent a message: the Yankees want to win right now. Bellinger’s 2025 was electric—125 wRC+, 4.9 fWAR—and he showed he can handle the Bronx spotlight. He brings power, flexibility, and a spark that fits perfectly with a team in contention mode.

But Bellinger’s return also creates a logjam. Trent Grisham stuck around after accepting a qualifying offer, so there’s a glut of outfielders. Depth sounds great until it blocks someone’s progress.

A Crowded Outfield Picture

Veterans take up most of the playing time, squeezing out younger guys who need reps. Sure, Bellinger can play first base sometimes, but the outfield is crowded—and prospects are left waiting for a real shot.

Jasson Dominguez and the Development Question

Jasson Dominguez started 2025 with sky-high expectations. His rookie season? Solid, but uneven. He posted a 103 wRC+, clubbed 10 home runs, swiped 23 bases, and finished with 0.6 fWAR. There’s upside, but he’s still searching for his groove.

Dominguez struggled to find rhythm, partly because he didn’t get consistent playing time. Young hitters need regular at-bats, not sporadic chances. The Yankees have to decide: give him patience or make a move to clear his path?

Spencer Jones Waiting in the Wings

Then there’s Spencer Jones, another big-time prospect. He smashed 19 home runs in just 67 Triple-A games last year and looks almost ready for the majors. But unless injuries or trades shake things up, Jones might be stuck on the bench too.

Trade Possibilities and Roster Needs

The Yankees could trade from their outfield surplus to fix other holes. The infield could use a boost, the bullpen took a hit losing Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, and the rotation thins out quickly after Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón.

Trading from a position of strength sounds logical, but it’s not so easy. The market’s been tough, and most appealing targets are off-limits. Trading Dominguez or Jones now might mean selling low—a gamble the front office doesn’t seem eager to make.

Depth as a Strategic Advantage

Health can’t be ignored, either. Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, and Bellinger have all battled injuries. Keeping both Dominguez and Jones gives the Yankees a safety net if someone goes down. Bellinger’s flexibility at first base opens up some creative lineup options, too.

Looking Toward the Trade Deadline

Maybe it makes sense to wait and hold onto both prospects until July. By then, teams will know what they actually need, the trade market will sort itself out, and contenders might get a little desperate.

Dominguez and Jones could turn into big trade chips. Or maybe they’ll just end up as crucial contributors, depending on how things go.

Right now, the Yankees are stuck balancing two big priorities:

The Yankees’ outfield surplus feels like both a blessing and a headache. It’s going to shape their season in ways we probably can’t predict yet.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Poll: Will The Yankees Trade From Their Outfield?