Yankees unlikely to splash big money on third base, opting for cost-effective solution instead.
The New York Yankees' offseason priorities are clear, but unfortunately for fans, it means that investing heavily in the hot corner is not at the top of their shopping list this winter. With multiple positions needing attention, the Bombers are faced with a tough decision - where to spend their big bucks.
While there's no shortage of issues to address, including a depleted rotation and bullpen, third base has emerged as the unlikely spot to see significant investment. According to insiders, Chris Kirschner and Kiley McDaniel, it appears that the Yankees will not be pursuing a top-tier upgrade at the position, instead opting for a more cost-effective solution.
This news won't come as a surprise to fans who have been aware of Ryan McMahon's limitations on defense, despite his impressive all-around game. Given his contract situation - two more years at $16 million per year, making him a difficult asset to move - it's likely the Yankees will look for complementary pieces to bolster their offense rather than trading him outright.
One possible option is re-signing Amed Rosario as a left-handed hitting specialist, or signing Kazuma Okamoto from Japan, who could provide an upgrade at a significantly lower cost. According to ESPN insider Kiley McDaniel, Okamoto's posting fee would be $43 million over three years, averaging out to approximately $14.33 million per year.
While this news may not sit well with Yankees fans heading into the winter meetings, it's clear that the team has had to set realistic expectations for their offseason spending. With a depleted rotation and bullpen already taking up significant resources, the decision not to invest big at third base is a pragmatic one - one that will require patience from fans who are hoping to see some meaningful upgrades on the field in 2026.
The New York Yankees' offseason priorities are clear, but unfortunately for fans, it means that investing heavily in the hot corner is not at the top of their shopping list this winter. With multiple positions needing attention, the Bombers are faced with a tough decision - where to spend their big bucks.
While there's no shortage of issues to address, including a depleted rotation and bullpen, third base has emerged as the unlikely spot to see significant investment. According to insiders, Chris Kirschner and Kiley McDaniel, it appears that the Yankees will not be pursuing a top-tier upgrade at the position, instead opting for a more cost-effective solution.
This news won't come as a surprise to fans who have been aware of Ryan McMahon's limitations on defense, despite his impressive all-around game. Given his contract situation - two more years at $16 million per year, making him a difficult asset to move - it's likely the Yankees will look for complementary pieces to bolster their offense rather than trading him outright.
One possible option is re-signing Amed Rosario as a left-handed hitting specialist, or signing Kazuma Okamoto from Japan, who could provide an upgrade at a significantly lower cost. According to ESPN insider Kiley McDaniel, Okamoto's posting fee would be $43 million over three years, averaging out to approximately $14.33 million per year.
While this news may not sit well with Yankees fans heading into the winter meetings, it's clear that the team has had to set realistic expectations for their offseason spending. With a depleted rotation and bullpen already taking up significant resources, the decision not to invest big at third base is a pragmatic one - one that will require patience from fans who are hoping to see some meaningful upgrades on the field in 2026.
so yeah i think this is a good move by the yankees... its not like they have unlimited money or anything lol. they gotta prioritize and save for the future, plus they already got some guys in the pipeline who could step up at third base. re-signing amed rosario would be sick tho 
he's always been underrated, and having him as a lefty hitting specialist would be huge. and kazuma okamoto sounds like a legit option too... $14m per year is still a bit steep for me, but i guess it's worth it if he's gonna bring some serious juice to the lineup 
. gotta trust the yanks on this one 
what's next? no upgrades at SS or LF either? that's just gonna be one big disappointment season for Yankees fans 
. And I mean, three years and $43 million for Okamoto is still pretty steep 
, but I guess it's better than breaking the bank on someone else.
It's the Yankees, after all! They've got the money to blow it if they want to, but nope, they're gonna go with the cheap option instead? 
And don't even get me started on Ryan McMahon... I mean, I know he's not that bad on defense, but come on! Two more years at $16 million per year is a huge waste if they're just gonna stick with him because it's cheaper. 
. Ryan McMahon's defense isn't great, so maybe they're thinking of addressing that in free agency or trades? 
Amed Rosario could be a good fit, but I'm not sure about Kazuma Okamoto - $14.33M/yr is a bit steep for me 
. No need to get your hopes up too high in 2026, but maybe they'll surprise us next year 
.
anyways just got a link to some analysis on yankees offseason priorities wanna check it out 
but then again their rotation and bullpen is a mess 
maybe re-signing roasio as a lefty specialist or signing kazumoto from japan is a good idea 
. Ryan McMahon's defense is a concern, and I'm not sure re-signing Amed Rosario or signing Kazuma Okamoto would be enough 
. Fans just gotta keep it real 
and remember that patience is key 
. Maybe next year we'll see some big moves 
!
But I guess you can't put a price tag on it 
. It's not ideal, but we'll just have to be patient and wait for 2026 
. Maybe they'll surprise us with some awesome trades or signings 
.
think they're making smart move re-signing amed rosario or signing okamoto would be sick tho