Bombshell report suggests Yankees' trade deadline plan hinges on next few days

Aaron Judge is officially on the injured list and will miss the next eight games that will feature matchups against the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins and Texas Rangers. The trade deadline is this coming Thursday, and the New York Yankees' performance against Tampa could change everything.

If the Bombers can get by without Judge, they will likely remain buyers with an eye on the World Series. But the Yankees' version of "buying" usually just features adding one somewhat impact player followed by a couple of other guys who take up space. Either way, Brian Cashman will be keeping the same approach he likely had two days ago if all goes as planned.

But if they lose the first two or three games to start this week? They could roll with a hybrid approach. SNY's Andy Martino reported Sunday "rival executives have heard that the Yanks might become willing to talk about relievers on expiring contracts" if the sloppy play and losing persists. The win over the Phillies in the series finale bought them some time, but another division opponent is on the horizon, and the Yankees keep stumbling against that competition (11-18 vs the AL East in 2025).

Martino also mentioned Cody Bellinger "would be highly appealing to other clubs" but it's more likely the Yankees find a way to keep him around rather than flip him when they have other roster fodder they should prioritize parting with.

But as for the reliever tidbit ... does this mean Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Jonathan Loaisiga and JT Brubaker could be dangled at the trade deadline if the next few days don't go their way? Loaisiga and Brukbaker don't really have a place in this bullpen, so their departures wouldn't necessarily matter. They can be replaced with just about anybody within reason.

As for Williams and Weaver? Both are free agents after this season and would be appealing to buyers. Let's face it: Williams is not coming back, either. The Yankees are not investing top dollar in another high-priced reliever who has proven to be extremely volatile. For those out there holding out hope they could get a bargain deal done with the right-hander, it's doubtful Williams takes a discount when he hits the open market — his lone chance to make the most money possible.

Then there's Weaver, a fan favorite who many would be extremely upset to see go, but someone who wouldn't entirely be useful on a middling team. Not to mention, he's regressed from his 2024 All-Star-caliber form, which puts his potential 2026 return in question. Also, don't forget: although we love Weav, he's largely been a bad pitcher throughout his career. Only over the last two years in New York did he save himself and revive his career. And he'll be entering his age-32 season next year. Are the Yankees ready to invest in that?

The fact of the matter is that we do not know. Back in 2023, the Yankees made the grave mistake of doing nothing at the trade deadline when it was clear they needed to either go all in or pull a 2016 and sell off some high-profile pieces that set themselves up nicely for the following year (and beyond).

To be clear: the Yankees are not bad. They just aren't great. But they're more than likely a below-average club without Judge in the lineup. And if there's no guarantee he returns to 100% on both sides of the ball this season, then Cashman and Co. might have no choice but to do a little bit of buying and selling to at least give the club a chance in 2025 (but keep a larger focus on 2026).