The New York Yankees will likely be aggressive on the trade front this season to bolster the roster.
One of the biggest needs for the Yankees right now is the bullpen, as the bullpen has been a major issue for New York. Luckily, relievers are always available in trades, as New York acquired multiple relievers at the trade deadline last year.
Although the 2026 MLB season is young, ESPN MLB insider David Schoenfield believes the Yankees’ top trade chip is 2024 first-round pick Ben Hess.
“Yes, yes … Yankees fans want a new third baseman … a new shortstop … a new center fielder … relax. The offense will pick up,” Schoenfield wrote. “Maybe one of those positions will need addressing, but the bullpen still looks like the spot most likely to need help, although the Yankees can move a couple of starters there once Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole return.
“Hess, the team’s first-round pick in 2024 out of Alabama, is in Double-A after holding batters to a .177 average in 2025, but he’s behind Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez in the pecking order.”
The Yankees selected Hess 26th overall in the 2024 MLB Draft, and he is the team’s fifth-round prospect. Although Hess projects to be an MLB starter, with the team having Carlos Lagrange and Elmer Rodriguez ahead of him in the system, Hess could be used to acquire an elite reliever to bolster the backend of the bullpen.
Hess is currently 1-0 with a 3.52 ERA in two starts this season in Double-A, but is on the IL.
Hess Compared to Lance Lynn
The Yankees drafted Hess in the first round out of Alabama after a solid college career.
The right-hander has plenty of velocity, and MLB Pipeline compares him to Lance Lynn, which would be a solid career for the right-hander.
“Hess’ fastball operates at 92-96 mph and tops out at 98, playing better than its radar-gun readings because of the extension and carry he creates with his big frame,” his prospect profile read. “His breaking balls don’t stand out for their velocity either, but they both work as plus pitches. His mid-70s curveball has surprising depth coming out of a low arm slot, and the Yankees switched him from a tighter mid-80s slider to a sweepier version that sits around 80 mph with plenty of action. While his 83-85 mph change has nice fade at times, he has trouble landing it for strikes and doesn’t trust it very much.
“Hess’ 6-foot-5, 255-pound build and arsenal prompt comparisons to Lance Lynn, though he has yet to translate his big-bodied athleticism and clean delivery into consistent strikes like the two-time All-Star did. He could become a frontline starter if he can refine his control and show more durability.”
Hess projects to reach the majors in 2027, so if New York does trade the right-hander, he could make an impact on his new team almost instantly.
Yankees Bullpen a Concern
New York got off to a hot start but has cooled down, in large part due to the bullpen having some issues.
The Yankees have been rotating relievers a ton as of late, and manager Aaron Boone is waiting for someone to take control of the roster spot.
“There’s opportunity for these guys to continue to grab roles,” Boone said. “Hopefully, some real key people emerge for us.”
The Yankees’ bullpen is led by David Bednar, Camillo Doval, Fernando Cruz, Tim Hill, and Brent Headrick.
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