New Yankees Rumors on Team's 'Wish List' Ahead of 2026 MLB Trade Deadline

The New York Yankees have zeroed in on three areas to potentially address ahead of the MLB trade deadline, according to ESPN's Jorge Castillo.

"New York's wish list includes a catcher, a leverage reliever or two, and a right-handed-hitting outfielder," Castillo wrote Thursday. "Catcher and reliever take precedent over an outfielder, but with uncertainty surrounding Aaron Judge's status, the Yankees could opt for some insurance."

Catcher is the most glaring weakness in the lineup.

New York ranks 24th in WAR at the position (minus-1.0), according to Baseball Reference. Austin Wells is slugging a career-worst .261, and neither J.C. Escarra nor Ali Sánchez has been much better.

The Minnesota Twins' Ryan Jeffers, Colorado Rockies' Hunter Goodman and Athletics' Shea Langeliers could all realistically be available between now and Aug. 3. Goodman and Langeliers are under team control for multiple seasons, though, so their price tags will be higher. The Twins, meanwhile, may not want to wave the white flag when they're still in striking distance of a wild-card berth.

Earlier this month, ESPN's Jeff Passan posited Goodman is the "dream match" for New York but that Jeffers is the likelier target since he'd be a half-season rental.

In terms of the bullpen, two-time All-Star Mason Miller would be the ideal addition. The San Diego Padres closer has a 0.86 ERA and 78 strikeouts over 41.2 innings of work.

The Bronx Bombers may not have the assets to outbid other suitors in the event the Padres are willing to seriously consider offers for Miller.

Assuming this door is basically closed, even adding a proven setup man or two would go a long way toward helping the Yankees bullpen.