With the 2027 free-agent class being historically weak, the Yankees are all but guaranteed to explore the trade market this winter. The Bronx Bombers have a large pool of in-house talent to take advantage of, and these are three names sure to be involved in plenty of trade talk over the coming months.
If there was one word to describe Dominguez's young career so far, it would be frustrating . Still just 23 years old, the man they call "The Martian" has talent coming out of his pores. A legitimate switch-hitter who can hit for both contact and power while also pushing the envelope with his legs, it's easy to see why he cost the Yankees such a pretty penny back in 2019.
However, the Dominican native has yet to find his footing in the Bronx. He's played in parts of four big-league seasons, but he's yet to fully establish himself. Dominguez has gone through stretches where he's looked like a superstar, but his overall numbers are average. Across 206 MLB games, he's hitting .241 with 22 HR, 72 RBI, 37 SB, and an OPS just shy of .700. Not disastrous by any means, but for a player often compared to the sweet-swinging Ken Griffey Jr., it's definitely a little underwhelming.
This season was arguably the most turbulent of Dominguez's young career, as he moved between Triple-A and the big leagues. He performed well in the minors, posting an .824 OPS across 59 games with the RailRiders. His time with the Yankees was not as successful. He hit just .225 across 59 games in the Bronx, posting a measly .635 OPS.
His main struggles came courtesy of a string of bizarre errors in the field and on the basepaths, leading the Yankees to simply stop trusting him to perform at the major-league level.
With Spencer Jones emerging as the Yankees' long-term center-field solution, there is now a plethora of quality outfielders in the system. With Judge, Bellinger, Jones, and Ramos all established big leaguers, Dominguez could find himself deemed surplus to requirements.
He still holds immense trade value simply because of his young age and the raw tools he possesses. There is still a strong chance he becomes a very good big-league player, but it looks like that might have to happen somewhere other than the Bronx. He could easily become the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal.
Sep 20, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren (29) throws during the first inning at Chase Field against the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees. Mandatory Credit: Arianna Grainey-Imagn Images
Another player who could headline a return package is Will Warren, who has been a steady back-end starter for the Yankees since making his debut. He posted a 3.92 ERA across 32 starts this year, striking out 158 hitters in 156 innings.
The 27-year-old has been a constant in the rotation, staying healthy and taking the ball every five days. Those types of players are incredibly valuable across a 162-game season, and Warren will have his fair share of suitors. His profile is still incomplete, and teams could view his raw stuff as a sign that there may still be more potential to unlock.
It could become a situation where Warren, similar to Dominguez, is deemed expendable if the right opportunity comes along. With a starting rotation of Schlittler, Fried, Cole, Rodon, and Weathers already penciled in, along with young Elmer Rodriguez knocking on the door, there simply may not be room for Warren in the rotation. While he performed admirably out of the bullpen when needed this season, he clearly profiles more as a starter, and the Yankees may look to cash in while his value is high.
Currently ranked as the fifth-best prospect in the Yankees' system, the 24-year-old Ben Hess is an incredibly enticing young player. He features a fastball in the upper 90s to go along with two plus breaking balls in his curveball and slider. He has also flashed a developing changeup.
Hess, who was drafted in the first round in 2024, had a terrific debut season last year, posting a 3.22 ERA across 22 starts while striking out 139 hitters in 103.1 innings. His 2026 campaign was marred by forearm and elbow inflammation, limiting him to just 16 starts with Double-A Somerset. His strikeout numbers remained strong, but his walk rate shot up, ballooning his ERA to 4.45.
Even so, the Alabama alumnus is exactly the type of pitching prospect teams will target in return packages. With a big frame, a firm fastball, and good breaking balls, Hess has all the makings of a developing front-end starter. The Yankees would love to keep him, but they've shown a willingness to part with blue-chip prospects to improve the major-league roster when necessary.
The Yankees have some serious questions to answer regarding the roster for next season. Brian Cashman will look to completely restructure what was a disastrous infield, and other areas of the roster will be explored as well. Fans may have to part ways with favorites, prospects, and others this winter.
Even with the impending lockout, the next few months are still shaping up to be eventful as the Yankees look to retool and go again in 2027. To make that happen, these players may have to make way for potential improvements.
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