The Yankees’ front office might want to add “wishful thinking” to their list of offseason achievements. Just when the Bronx faithful thought their rotation dreams were about to come true, reality threw a nasty curveball. Meanwhile, the Padres? They played their cards, let the rumors swirl, and now stand exactly where they want to be—leaving New York empty-handed once again.

And in more bad news for the Yankees, it looks like Dylan Cease will not be stepping into New York this season, and it is mostly certain. During an interview on the MLB network, MLB insider Jon Morosi revealed what the situation is between the Yankees, the Padres, and Dylan Cease. He said, “I just do not think we are going to see a Dylan Cease trade that rescues the Yankees season.”

After it was announced that the Yankees ace, Gerrit Cole would be out for a long time with Tommy John surgery, many reports suggested the Yankees might look at Dylan Cease as a replacement. However, Jon Morosi quickly shut down all those rumors. Morosi gave two important reasons why he thinks the deal is very unlikely to happen.

He says that the Yankees are very reluctant to add more to their already existing payroll. This has been a problem for the Yankees in the 2025 season as they have not spent much to improve their team. But with the injuries, the Yankees may pivot and spend some more to bolster their roster. With all the comments Hal Steinbrenner has made this season, it’s clear where he stands. Considering their position with the CBT, the odds of this happening are very slim.

He also says that if the 2 parties do sit at the table, the Padres might ask Jasson Dominguez or Will Warren in return for Dylan Cease. Now, the question arises are the Yankees ready to trade their future for a pitcher who is coming in for just a year? We don’t yet know how the Gerrit Cole situation will unfold in the 2026 season. And this move might not pay off as expected.

For now, the Yankees remain stuck between a rock and a luxury tax threshold, watching their rotation crumble while their rivals make moves. If New York doesn’t spend and won’t trade, what exactly will they do? Maybe they’re banking on divine intervention—because at this rate, that might be their best shot at saving the season.

Trevor Bauer is on the cards for the Yankees amid Cole’s injury

Desperate times call for desperate measures, and the Yankees suddenly find themselves staring at a rotation crisis with no easy fix. With Gerrit Cole out, options are running thin—too thin for comfort. Now, a name once considered untouchable is back in the conversation. The question is: how far will the Yankees go to stay afloat?

Trevor Bauer has not pitched in the MLB since 2021. However, reports say he has appeared on the radar for the Yankees. The Cy Young winner was suspended after facing problems in his personal life but was then reinstated. Since then, no team has given him a second chance.

With the New York Yankees losing 40% of their starting pitchers, he might be a real option. Or maybe the only option. Now, the Yankees can’t even take a look at the market. As other teams have already taken all the quality and decent pitchers. With the likes of Stroman, they still lack a true ace to anchor the rotation. Will Warren shows promise, but he’s not enough to make up for what they have lost, their ace.

The Yankees are running out of time, options, and, quite frankly, excuses. If they’re serious about salvaging their season, they may have to stomach a deal they never imagined. After all, when the ship is sinking, you don’t get picky about who’s throwing the lifeline. What are your thoughts on the Yankees’ roster this season? Let us know in the comments below.