3 MLB Free Agents New York Yankees Should Target Amid Slow Offseason

The New York Yankees may be a "fully operational Death Star," but they're not acting like it.

Thus far this MLB offseason, New York has re-signed left-hander Ryan Yarbrough, infielder Amed Rosario and outfielder Trent Grisham accepted the $22.025 qualifying offer. In an American League East division that features the defending AL-champion Toronto Blue Jays – who have been among the most active teams in the sport this offseason – Boston Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles – who have signed star first baseman Pete Alonso and acquired slugger Taylor Ward – the Yankees need to get busy.

Here are three MLB free agents New York should pursue.

Michael Kopech has spent the last two seasons with the Dodgers. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

2025 Stats: 2.45 ERA, 1.73 WHIP, 12 strikeouts, 174 ERA+, 0.2 wins above replacement (11 innings pitched)

Devin Williams signed with the New York Mets, Luke Weaver is a free agent and the Yankees were 23rd in MLB with a collective 4.37 ERA and 19th with a 1.32 WHIP last season; they need a boost in their bullpen, and Kopech is a compelling option.

Once a top starting pitching prospect who appeared to be coming into his own with the Chicago White Sox, Kopech was moved to the bullpen on a full-time basis in 2024. While he took his licks as a reliever, the Los Angeles Dodgers acquired Kopech before the 2024 MLB trade deadline, and he excelled, posting a 1.13 ERA, 0.79 WHIP and 359 ERA+ in 24 innings pitched in the regular season. Last season, Kopech was limited to 14 appearances due to shoulder and knee injuries but is expected to be full-go before the 2026 regular season. 

While Kopech leans on his four-seamer, he has mixed in a cutter and slider in recent years. He throws gas, traditionally