3 Yankees who have played their way out of the team's plans for 2025

The New York Yankees face a number of tough decisions this offseason. With key free agents hitting the market, they’ll have to carefully consider who to retain and who to let go. If they intend to sign star outfielder Juan Soto, who will be a free agent after this season, the team must manage their payroll wisely.

Soto is expected to command a massive contract, meaning the Yankees may need to part ways with some players to free up funds for a long-term deal and build a championship-caliber roster.

As Brian Cashman strategizes for the 2025 season, let’s take a look at three Yankees who likely just wrapped their final weeks with the team, and who haven't earned much of an additional look.

3 Yankees who should find their way out of team's plans for 2025

3. Jonathan Loaisiga

The Yankees should strongly consider moving on from Jonathan Loaisiga, who will become a free agent after this season while he rehabs. Since joining the organization in 2016, Loaisiga has shown promise but has been hampered by injuries throughout his career. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2016, missed time in 2023 due to surgery for a bone spur in his elbow, and lost the entirety of the 2024 season with a torn UCL.

When healthy, Loaisiga has been a reliable option out of the bullpen, thriving in both setup and closing situations. He threw 24 2/3 innings in 2018 and followed with 31 2/3 innings across 15 appearances in 2019. His standout season came in 2021, when he posted a 2.17 ERA and struck out 69 batters in 70 2/3 innings. However, his ongoing injury issues may make it difficult for the Yankees to justify keeping him, even with his past success. Yankees fans once believed Loaisiga would be a big part of the team for a long time, but injuries derailed his last couple years as a Yankee, removing him from the equation.

2. Alex Verdugo

New York initially needed outfielders heading into 2024, but now they may have too many, especially once Alex Verdugo's modest salary is factored in. With Aaron Judge, Trent Grisham, Jasson Dominguez, Jazz Chisholm, and Oswaldo Cabrera in the mix, plus the potential call-up of No. 2 prospect Spencer Jones and a re-signing of Juan Soto, there simply won’t be room for Verdugo. Grisham may also find himself non-tendered.

To effectively manage their payroll and focus on Soto in free agency, it’s logical to let Verdugo walk. Given the competitive nature of the Soto sweepstakes, Verdugo might seek another opportunity before the Yankees can make an offer. Ultimately, retaining both Verdugo and Soto seems unlikely, especially with so many outfielders vying for playing time on the 40-man roster next season. Despite Verdugo’s strong postseason performance, it’s clear he won’t be part of the 2025 Yankees, especially if they sign Soto.

1. Clay Holmes

Clay Holmes has certainly had an up-and-down season with the New York Yankees. Holmes recorded a 3.14 ERA, 45 strikeouts, and 68 saves over 63 innings with the Yankees during the regular season. While these statistics may seem decent at first glance, the alarming detail is that he led the league with 13 blown saves. Shockingly to some, Holmes was selected to the American League All-Star squad this season.

Yankees fans have expressed frustration with Holmes' performance in recent months, as he often finds himself in difficult situations whenever he’s called upon to secure a save. After watching Mariano Rivera for over two decades and the strong early years of Aroldis Chapman, expectations for Holmes to dominate were understandably high.

Even when he managed to escape tough spots and secure victories for the Yankees down the stretch, he tended to make close games more stressful than necessary. It’s possible the Yankees will bring him back next year, but it's hard to argue with the team revamping the bullpen and allowing Holmes to move on. Although Holmes pitched decently this Postseason, it feels too late to circle back to him next season, especially with Luke Weaver solidifying the role Holmes abdicated.