Michael Kopech and Nick Martinez on Yankees’ radar; Goldschmidt on hold

After the heavy investment in Cody Bellinger, the New York Yankees are now looking at their payroll for their next moves. They are analyzing the free agents who are still without a team this offseason, and two of them are pitchers Michael Kopech and Nick Martinez

Yankees manager Aaron Boone wants to strengthen his bullpen to rotate starters at the start of the season. Among his options, he is considering the possibility of incorporating one of them, with the former White Sox and Dodgers player being the most interesting because of his age and his record.

Kopech, despite being a champion with the Dodgers, had a negative 2025 season for a player of his profile. Injuries kept him out of action for several months. Despite this, he managed to maintain an ERA of 2.45.The latest figures are as follows:

• 35 tickets
• 6 races
• 41 strikeouts

Now that he is recovered, and at 29 years of age, Kopech is an option to go to the Bronx. That opportunity is there, although the organization is also considering the possibility of signing Nick Martinez.

Nick Martinez, a free agent at a good price for the Yankees

The former Rangers and Padres player had a productive 2024 season with the Reds for a pitcher of his profile. This earned him a $21.5 million qualifying offer for one year. As a free agent for the 2026 season, the pitcher can be signed to a lower figure, short-term deal, which suits the New York franchise for its rotations.

Martinez’s numbers were:

• 3.10 ERA
• 142.1 tickets
• 16 openings
• 12 presentations

Paul Goldschmidt’s case with the Yankees

The veteran first baseman is open to being re-signed by the franchise to return to the team. He is currently a free agent, but is willing to accept any deal with the Bombers because, at his age, 38, he is unlikely to receive offers. Likewise, the roster could use a hitter like him as a reliever.

Paul Goldschmidt seems willing to return to the Yankees, even if it is in a role inferior to that of a full-time player. The Yankees are already above the luxury tax threshold, so they would have to fit Goldy into the payroll

Jon Heyman, insider de la MLB