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Although the New York Yankees are not participating in this year's World Series, the organization has strong reasons to monitor the Fall Classic matchup between the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays. The Yankees' front office must make significant adjustments to their 26-man roster to compete with smaller-market clubs, a reality that seems paradoxical given New York's enormous payroll. Yet that spending has not been enough to return the team to baseball's grandest stage.
To get back to the World Series, the Yankees need to resolve their plans at second base, third base, and potentially center field. The fan base remains unconvinced about Spencer Jones despite his offensive potential. Additionally, the bullpen—which performed well this season—has several key members headed for free agency, including David Bednar and Paul Blackburn.
Fortunately for New York, the World Series offers a chance to scout relievers and center fielders, as both the Brewers and Rays have impending free agents at those positions. Below is a look at three options worth considering.
Antonio Senzatela, RHP
Senzatela, who was traded from the Colorado Rockies to the Brewers at the August deadline, is a 31-year-old right-hander. The Yankees reportedly expressed interest in him before the deadline, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. Fans were frustrated that the Yankees failed to acquire any relievers at the deadline, but general manager Brian Cashman could make amends by pursuing Senzatela, who could replace Ryan Yarbrough (another impending free agent).
Primarily a starter for most of his career, Senzatela moved to the bullpen this season. With the Rockies, he posted a 9-2 record and a 3.61 ERA in 34 relief appearances. He held batters to a .256 average and a .683 OPS, while his 1.8% home run rate tied the lowest of his career and his 21.0% strikeout rate was a personal best. His 40% hard-hit rate indicated he limited hard contact, explaining the deadline interest.
However, Senzatela has not found the same success in Milwaukee, recording a 2-3 record and a 5.14 ERA in 23 regular-season appearances. His opponents' batting average and OPS rose to .272 and .755, respectively. His home run rate increased to 2.2%, and his strikeout rate dropped to 15.2%. In the postseason, he has appeared in two games, tossing 1.2 innings while allowing three hits, a walk, one run, and striking out one. Senzatela has a $14 million club option for next season—a steep price for a reliever who has seen limited playoff action and posted modest regular-season numbers. If Milwaukee declines the option, the Yankees should inquire about bringing him in as a long-relief or sixth-inning option.
JoJo Romero, LHP
The Yankees have shown interest in Romero since December 2025 but have yet to acquire him. This year, they may finally have their chance, as they could need new left-handers in the bullpen with Yarbrough and Tim Hill both set to become free agents.
Romero has performed well for the Brewers since joining them at the trade deadline. In 11 regular-season appearances with Milwaukee, he posted a 3.38 ERA and held opponents to a .220 batting average. In the postseason, he has been outstanding, going 2-1 with a 1.69 ERA. He has been nearly unhittable, with a .111 opponents' batting average, a .125 BABIP, and a 47.4% strikeout rate—numbers that underscore his dominance on the mound.
The southpaw features a four-pitch mix, relying most on his sinker and sweeper to retire hitters. Left-handed batters struggle against his sweeper, hitting just .200. If Romero can shut down the Rays lineup in the World Series, the Yankees should be first in line when free agency opens.
Cedric Mullins, CF
Mullins may not generate much excitement, but he is a center fielder who could pair with Jones next season and has a $10 million mutual option for 2027. It would be surprising if both sides agreed to that figure, given that Mullins hit .205 with 15 home runs, 48 RBI, and 21 stolen bases during the regular season. In the postseason, he is batting .250 with a home run, an RBI, and a stolen base in four games.
Defensively, Mullins recorded 12 Outs Above Average (96th percentile) and 6 Defensive Runs Saved Above Average during the regular season, according to Baseball Savant—both far better than what the Yankees got from Trent Grisham and Jones. Grisham posted -5 OAA (10th percentile) and -8 Defensive Runs Saved Above Average, while Jones had -4 OAA (15th percentile) and -4 Defensive Runs Saved Above Average. Mullins is also familiar with the New York market, having briefly played for the Mets in 2025, and the Yankees have seen him for years during his time with the Baltimore Orioles. In a free-agent class that is not spectacular at center field, the Yankees might want to keep an eye on Mullins.