Yankees Rumors: Anthony Volpe trade replacement, Paul Goldschmidt, pitching buzz

The New York Yankees are more than likely done making impact moves ahead of the 2026 season. They brought back almost their entire 2025 roster and they are happy with that. Fans might not be, but that's just life right now.

However ... don't say they didn't try! Previous rumors suggested the Yankees checked in on a number of free agents and trade candidates (their famous "due diligence") but nothing really panned out. Freddy Peralta was probably the biggest name, as you might remember.

This late in the offseason, the options may not be plentiful, but it appears the Yankees are remaining "engaged". Per reports, they've checked in on Washington Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, who is believed to be a trade candidate. Just recently, the San Francisco Giants were engaged in serious discussions but couldn't come to an agreement on a deal. If the Nats' trade of MacKenzie Gore to the Texas Rangers is any indication, they are willing to make moves.

As for the Yankees, they could be serious. They could be gauging market prices. But either way, fans can't help but think about the team upgrading from Anthony Volpe now. That's been the dream since before Volpe even debuted. We'll call this unserious, though, considering Abrams is a lefty hitter and the Yankees simply can't put another one of those in their lineup. Interesting to hear about, but probably "nothing."

Yankees Rumors: Paul Goldschmidt interest, Jasson Dominguez/Spencer Jones trade buzz

In more realistic speculation, Jack Curry told Yankees fans on Tuesday night's episode of "Yankees Hot Stove" that the team contacted first baseman Paul Goldschmidt about a reunion for 2026.

The Yankees still technically need a backup/platoon option at first base who can bat right-handed. Perhaps a lesser workload alongside Ben Rice will benefit Goldy, too. The former MVP dominated the first two months of the 2025 season and particularly crushed left-handed pitching. But he fell off a cliff once June arrived. That said, his April/May performance cannot be ignored. If he plays ~15 games per month ... maybe this works out better? Uninspiring, sure, but it wouldn't be a terrible move. Goldschmidt hit .336 with a .981 OPS against left-handed pitching last season. Maybe acquiring him and making Rice your backup catcher would be a better idea than wasting funds on a lower-quality "right-handed catcher" archetype.

And then Curry weighed in on the neverending Jasson Dominguez/Spencer Jones trade buzz. Once the team reunited with Cody Bellinger, speculation was rampant about their futures in the Bronx. The truth is this: neither player is fully developed, there will be plenty of reps to go around at different junctures of the 2026 season, and Trent Grisham is only here for a year. The Yankees need one or both of these guys to realize their potential.

Curry reiterated that the Yankees remain in trade discussions for pitching, but Dominguez or Jones aren't foregone assets to be dealt. Obviously, if the right opportunity presents itself, Brian Cashman will work towards pulling the trigger, but all those trade simulations of the Yankees moving one of their top young talents for a relief pitcher or a back end starter? It's not happening.

The slow burn of the offseason will continue, so exaggerated fan conversations are a result of impatience. Sometimes it's nice to live in fantasy land, but this isn't the year to do so.