Yankees Eyeing Big Trade Splash with Padres?
The New York Yankees have had a decent start to the season, currently sitting second in the AL East at 8-7. But in one of baseball’s most competitive divisions, it’s only a matter of time before injuries and roster depth become serious concerns—prompting the team to consider making a move.
One potential solution? A reunion with pitcher Michael King. But why stop there? If the Yankees are already in talks with the Padres, why not try to snag Luis Arraez as well?
In a trade proposal from Newsweek‘s Zach Pressnell, the Yankees would send a package of prospects to San Diego in exchange for both King and Arraez. Pressnell notes that while New York may shy away from paying the high price for someone like Sandy Alcántara, targeting King—who has top-of-the-rotation potential and could be re-signed in the offseason—makes sense. Adding Arraez, a two-time batting champ, would be a bonus.
Arráez could slide into second base,” Pressnell writes, “giving the Yankees a top-tier contact hitter to bat ahead of Aaron Judge, helping to fill the void left by Juan Soto.”
While Arraez hasn’t had a strong start to the 2025 season—batting just .262 with one homer in 61 at-bats—that’s well below his career norms. Still, his ability to consistently get on base makes him an ideal table-setter. As Just Baseball‘s Harrison Bruns pointed out, there’s no replacing Soto, but surrounding Judge with high-contact hitters like Arraez could help keep the offense competitive.
Of course, all of this depends on San Diego’s willingness to deal. At 13-3 and leading the NL West, the Padres have no reason to move a top arm and a proven bat—unless their season starts to unravel.
For now, the Yankees will watch closely—and stay ready to pounce.
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