Brian Cashman deserves a lot of credit for helping the New York Yankees recover from the shock of losing Juan Soto in free agency. The franchise quickly pivoted and bolstered other areas of Aaron Boone’s roster after cutting such a quality slugger from its roster.

A big free agent signing for Max Fried should give New York one of the best starting rotations in baseball. The signing of Paul Goldschmidt will help the team drastically improve its performance from the first base position. A trade for Cody Bellinger should give the outfield a boost.

However, there is still much to be done. If the Yankees don’t make some big moves by Opening Day, they won’t have the quality necessary to win it all. Here are three moves Cashman still needs to make if he wants to get over the World Series hump.

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There is no need for the Yankees to add another starting pitcher. In fact, they’ll likely need to trade away a starter before Opening Day to make their roster work, with Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, Carlos Rodon, Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt in tow and Marcus Stroman currently one man or two out. But they still need to do everything in their power to win the race to sign Roki Sasaki.

Cashman has already described the Japanese right winger as an “outstanding talent,” which is a clear sign of the team’s interest. Sasaki is also the cheapest premium free agent available due to the limitations of his country’s posting system and the fact that he is still considered an international amateur free agent.

Bringing Sasaki to the Bronx would also ensure he doesn’t fall into the hands of rivals. The Red Sox would like to sign him, although it’s unclear whether they were able to secure a meeting. The Dodgers are also a big option for Sasaki, which would only increase their chances of repeating as World Series champions.

This is not a race the Yankees can win with their checkbook. They must convince Sasaki and his representatives that they have the best plan for him to succeed as an individual on a team that can be a perennial contender. Winning Sasaki with a dynamic presentation could be the biggest coup of the offseason if Cashman and Co. can pull it off.

The Yankees’ bullpen still needs to add a left-handed hitter who can get hitters out in high-leverage situations. The organization is interested in bringing Tim Hill back to the roster, but that shouldn’t stop them from looking for the best southpaw available in free agency.

Tanner Scott is that guy. The struggles he endured with control over the years limited his effectiveness, but in 2024 he made the All-Star team for the first time. He features a plus fastball and a sharp slider that allow him to hit hitters on both sides of the plate. That versatility will increase his price in free agency and his attractiveness to the Yankees.

Interestingly, the Scott market hasn’t really heated up yet this winter. New York could have a chance to step in with an offer big enough to convince him to go out of business. Combining Scott with new closer Devin Williams would help the team shorten games, which can both increase the team’s winning percentage and reduce the workload on Boone’s starting rotation over the course of an entire season.

At this point, it’s clear that the Yankees don’t want to take on a huge payroll this season, but signing Scott is worth the price. Top-notch bullpen arms that can strike out hitters are extremely valuable in the postseason. New York didn’t have enough of these guys last season, and they paid the price.

The Yankees still have a huge hole to fill at third base. Obviously they don’t want to waste the money needed to acquire well-known stars like Alex Bregman or Nolan Arenado. That’s why Cashman needs to hit the trade market to find a new starter at the hot corner.

The Tigers have not expressed a hint of public interest in a deal with coveted prospect Jace Jung. They have him projected to be their starting third baseman both in 2025 and beyond. Cashman has to convince Detroit with an offer if they want to bring Jung to the Bronx.

However, the Tigers need more starting pitching. If the Yankees bring in someone like Clarke Schmidt in a possible trade for Jung, that could be enough to bring Detroit’s front office to the table. Jung would give the Yankees an upgrade to the diamond next season at a cost-controlled salary. Both seem to be a requirement for Cashman at the moment.

Jung isn’t the only young third baseman the Yankees could target in a trade. There are other young options with upside potential that may be available if New York parts with an asset of Schmidt’s quality. It would be a big risk for the Yankees, but it’s the kind of swing Cashman needs to make to build a World Series winner.