The New York Yankees are in the eye of a storm as the 2025 trade deadline looms, with the midsummer hot stove season igniting in dramatic fashion. General Manager Brian Cashman has already made waves, pulling the trigger on two high-profile acquisitions that signal the start of a seismic roster overhaul. The addition of Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, while not a blockbuster, is a calculated move to bolster the infield, and the return of former Met Amed Rosario to the Bronx has only deepened the position player logjam. But with the devastating Aaron Judge injury casting a dark cloud over the team and a pitching staff in desperate need of repair, more blockbuster deals are on the horizon.
As the Yankees scramble to address their glaring weaknesses, several players find themselves on the chopping block. With the July 31 deadline fast approaching, here are nine Yankees whose roster spots are in serious jeopardy as Cashman reshapes the team for a playoff push.
1. Oswald Peraza, Infielder
Oswald Peraza’s days in pinstripes appear numbered. The young infielder was given a golden opportunity to claim the starting third base role after DJ LeMahieu’s DFA earlier this month, but he failed to seize the moment. The arrivals of Ryan McMahon and Amed Rosario have pushed Peraza further down the depth chart. Rosario, a versatile veteran who came up as a shortstop, is poised to take over as the primary utility infielder, leaving Peraza’s role as Anthony Volpe’s backup shortstop as his only lifeline. With no minor league options left, one more infield addition could spell the end for Peraza.
2. Allan Winans, SP/RP
Allan Winans is the definition of a stopgap. The soon-to-be 30-year-old swingman has been a temporary fix for a rotation ravaged by injuries, but his 8.53 ERA across two big league appearances (one start, one in relief) inspires little confidence. With a minor league option remaining, Winans is destined to ride the Scranton shuttle until a more reliable arm is acquired. His role as a placeholder is nearing its expiration date as the Yankees hunt for pitching reinforcements.
3. Jonathan Loaisiga, Reliever
The Yankees’ decision to sign Jonathan Loaisiga to a $5 million deal this offseason is looking like a costly misstep. The oft-injured right-hander hasn’t been both healthy and effective since 2021, and his 2025 campaign has been nothing short of disastrous. In 26 1/3 innings, Loaisiga has posted a 4.78 ERA, a 6.16 FIP, and an alarming 2.39 HR/9, contributing to a -0.6 fWAR. His middle relief outings have been more arson than relief, and the Yankees can’t afford to keep him in the bullpen as they chase a postseason berth.
4. Ian Hamilton, Reliever
Ian Hamilton’s 12.9% walk rate has been a persistent headache for the Yankees, turning winnable games into nail-biters. While not as catastrophic as Loaisiga, Hamilton’s penchant for issuing free passes has eroded trust in his ability to hold leads. With a minor league option still available, the Yankees could stash him in Triple-A and seek a more reliable middle reliever. Hamilton’s spot is far from secure as Cashman looks to fortify the bullpen.
5. Will Warren, Starting Pitcher
Will Warren’s rollercoaster season has left his rotation spot vulnerable. After a promising June with a 2.86 ERA over 28 1/3 innings, the young right-hander stumbled in July, posting a 6.29 ERA across 24 1/3 innings. With Clarke Schmidt sidelined for the season and the Yankees eyeing at least one (if not more) starting pitchers at the deadline, Warren’s inconsistency makes him the easiest to demote. Even if he survives the deadline, Luis Gil’s imminent return could push him out of the rotation.
6. Marcus Stroman, Starting Pitcher
Marcus Stroman’s 2025 season has been a wild ride of highs and lows. From being buried on the depth chart to emerging as a potential trade chip, the 34-year-old righty has struggled to find consistency. His 4.01 ERA since returning from the IL on June 29 is respectable, but a recent dud against the Philadelphia Phillies—where he allowed four earned runs in just 3 2/3 innings—has raised red flags. With rookie Cam Schlittler showing promise, Stroman’s spot could hinge on how many starters the Yankees acquire and whether they view Schlittler as a better option for the stretch run.
7. JT Brubaker, Reliever
JT Brubaker’s return from Tommy John surgery was a feel-good story, but his performance has been a mixed bag. The former Pirates starter has transitioned to the bullpen, posting a 3.46 ERA over 13 innings in 10 appearances. However, his 13.7% walk rate and paltry 15.7% strikeout rate, combined with a .229 BABIP that’s bound to regress, suggest trouble is looming. The Yankees need a reliable long reliever, but Brubaker’s high walk totals could make him expendable if a better option emerges.
8. Yerry De Los Santos, Reliever
Yerry De Los Santos, another ex-Pirate, returned from the IL on July 26 and could compete with Brubaker for the long relief role. His 2.08 ERA across 21 2/3 innings sparkles, but a 11.9% walk rate and a 13.9% strikeout rate raise concerns about sustainability. De Los Santos has shown he can eat innings, but his command issues could cost him if the Yankees opt for a more polished reliever. One of him or Brubaker is likely to survive the deadline, but both are on thin ice.
9. Cam Schlittler, Starting Pitcher
Cam Schlittler, one of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects, has electrified fans with his triple-digit fastball in his brief MLB cameo. However, his call-up was born out of necessity following Clarke Schmidt’s season-ending injury, not a long-term plan. In two starts, Schlittler has shown flashes of brilliance but also struggles with command, surrendering a few too many home runs. With only 25 1/3 innings at Triple-A, the Yankees may decide that more minor league seasoning is best for his development. His spot will depend on the number of starters acquired and whether the team sees him as a key piece for 2025 or a future asset.
The Road Ahead
The Yankees are at a crossroads. The McMahon and Rosario acquisitions are just the beginning, with Cashman likely to target multiple arms to shore up a pitching staff that has been a glaring weakness. The Aaron Judge injury has only heightened the urgency, forcing the front office to act decisively. As the trade deadline clock ticks down, these nine players face an uncertain future, with their roster spots hanging in the balance. The Bronx is bracing for a shake-up, and by July 31, the Yankees’ roster could look dramatically different.