The move, officially announced on the Yankees’ social media accounts, adds intrigue to how New York will construct its October roster as the organization seeks to end a 17-year World Series championship drought.

Despite Cabrera’s overall fan-favorite status, his tenure in the Bronx ended quietly following a challenging campaign in which he struggled to make a major-league impact despite solid numbers at the Triple-A level.

With Cabrera out of the fold, the Yankees are shifting their focus to internal reinforcements for the home stretch, including hard-throwing prospect Carlos Lagrange, who is making a strong push during his rehab outings to earn playoff consideration.

Utility options remaining on the Yankees’ roster

Several options remain on the roster to absorb the versatile role left behind by Cabrera. Veterans Amed Rosario and Jose Caballero stand out as primary candidates to fill the void, while former MVP Cody Bellinger and rookie Ben Rice provide additional multi-positional flexibility.

Given Cabrera’s departure, manager Aaron Boone is unlikely to lean on non-roster Triple-A talent for the high-stakes postseason. Instead, October playing time will hinge on how Boone strategically aligns his existing big-league core.

Joined by new teammates like Spencer Steer, Julian Aguiar, and Julian Garcia in Cincinnati, Cabrera will look to make an immediate impression during the season’s final games before evaluating his long-term future in free agency or arbitration.

According to former Reds legend and current analyst Joey Votto, Cincinnati may ultimately struggle to afford De La Cruz long-term. “Unfortunately, we can’t afford him. He is going to cost roughly the GDP of a small county,” Votto said on CBS Sports.

With the Reds facing ongoing financial constraints, Votto suggested De La Cruz could eventually become a marquee trade chip, allowing the front office to retool and build a more balanced, competitive roster for the future.

While Eugenio Suarez remains on the roster for the stretch run, speculation previously swirled about potential suitors—including the New York Yankees. Now, the narrative has shifted toward how Cincinnati handles its remaining core.

What’s happening within the Reds?

The Reds’ financial hurdles stem from small-market structural limitations and recent volatility in local media rights. Operating in one of Major League Baseball’s smallest markets, the franchise inherently faces a lower ceiling for gate receipts, regional sponsorship deals, and corporate revenue compared to big-market powerhouses.

This dynamic was further complicated by disruptions across the regional sports network (RSN) landscape. Following the restructuring of Diamond Sports Group (operator of FanDuel Sports Network), guaranteed rights fees plummeted, forcing the organization into short-term, lower-yielding local broadcast agreements that cap short-term revenue growth.

While ownership’s “spend-within-your-means” framework maintains operational stability, it prevents Cincinnati from outbidding rivals for top-tier free agents or absorbing massive long-term contracts. Compounded by roster-budget inefficiencies and internal arbitration raises, the team finds itself navigating tight payroll bottlenecks.

De La Cruz’s impact on the Reds this season

If the Reds ever pull the trigger on a De La Cruz trade, they would part ways with a generational talent who has repeatedly proven his game-changing ability. Once again this season, De La Cruz sits at the top of nearly every statistical category for Cincinnati.

A closer look at De La Cruz’s numbers this season reveals his overall impact:

• Games Played (G): 119
• At-Bats (AB): 468
• Batting Average (BA): .271
• On-Base Percentage (OBP): .350
• Slugging Percentage (SLG): .479
• On-Base Plus Slugging (OPS): .829

The Reds granted Suarez permission to step away during the Padres series so he can take his US naturalization test. A native of Venezuela who resides in Miami, Suarez has been studying for the exam as he works toward earning his American citizenship.

Alongside star infielder Elly De La Cruz, Suarez has been one of the team’s most consistent presences. With Cincinnati out of realistic contention, the front office is focusing on the offseason to evaluate whether Suarez fits into their future plans or if a trade or release makes more sense for next year.

While playoff contenders like the New York Yankees manage high-stakes injury timelines—such as manager Aaron Boone’s updates on Aaron Judge—the Reds are turning their attention toward reshuffling the roster for the upcoming season.

Reds’ projected lineup vs. Padres

With Suarez out of action, De La Cruz takes center stage to anchor the lineup against San Diego. Here is a look at Cincinnati’s projected batting order for the remainder of the series:

1. Elly De La Cruz — SS
2. Sal Stewart — 1B
3. JJ Bleday — LF
4. Tyler Stephenson — C
5. Matt McLain — DH / 2B
6. Héctor Rodríguez — RF
7. Ke’Bryan Hayes / Edwin Arroyo — 3B / IF
8. TJ Friedl — CF
9. Dane Myers / Ivan Johnson — OF / 2B
10. Probable Starter: Nick Lodolo (LHP) / Brady Singer (RHP)

With their postseason hopes virtually extinguished, the Reds are focused on finishing the regular season on a high note while building momentum for the offseason ahead.

The Yankees are routinely searching for right-handed power off the bench and have endured inconsistent production and injuries at the corner infield and designated hitter spots. However, acquiring Suarez comes with financial strings, as any claiming team must absorb the remainder of his contract.

Suarez is playing on a $15 million salary, leaving roughly $2.5 million to $3 million owed through the rest of the season. The luxury-tax-mindful Yankees may hesitate to absorb that remaining payroll for a rotational bench piece.

With Giancarlo Stanton sidelined, Suarez could offer solid right-handed depth for the remainder of the regular season. However, waiver claims are awarded in inverse order of the overall MLB standings. Because the Yankees hold one of baseball’s best records, several American League rivals with lower win totals would have priority to claim Suarez ahead of New York.

Other contenders who could target Suarez

If the Yankees pass—or get beat on priority—Suarez could still land with another postseason hopeful for the final month of the regular season and potential playoff roster eligibility.

The Detroit Tigers stand out as a potential fit given their need for corner infield help as they navigate a tight playoff race, where an experienced veteran right-handed bat could make an immediate impact.

Meanwhile, the Houston Astros have dealt with key offensive injuries all summer, leaving them thin on bench power and corner infield flexibility. Lastly, the Seattle Mariners are in the thick of the AL Wild Card hunt and frequently seek affordable late-season power and depth.

What happens if Suarez goes unclaimed?

If no club submits a claim during the 48-hour waiver window, Suarez will remain with the Reds for the rest of the season, with Cincinnati remaining responsible for the balance of his salary.

He could represent an intriguing late-season addition for a contender despite his struggles, which include a 35% strikeout rate alongside a modest .208/.295/.410 slash line. Time will tell if Suarez gets a chance to impact a pennant race or finishes out the year in Cincinnati.

According to The Athletic, Stephenson could become a realistic option as the Yankees search for an experienced catcher. The 29-year-old has posted a 92 wRC+ this season and owns a 104 career wRC+, making him an intriguing target if Cincinnati decides to listen to offers. Minnesota Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers has also been linked to New York, though multiple contenders are believed to be monitoring his availability.

The Yankees’ plans extend beyond catcher as they continue evaluating upgrades across the roster. According to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch, the organization is expected to pursue a platoon partner for Austin Wells, another bat to help offset uncertainty surrounding Aaron Judge‘s injury, and an additional high-leverage reliever before the deadline.

Tyler Stephenson among Yankees’ reported trade options

Stephenson has established himself as a reliable offensive catcher over several seasons with Cincinnati, combining above-average production with regular playing time. His experience and offensive profile could provide the Yankees with a valuable complement to Wells as they prepare for the stretch run.

New York’s front office has reportedly cast a wide net in the catching market, with several names under consideration. However, Stephenson’s combination of offensive consistency and major league experience makes him one of the more appealing options if the Reds become willing sellers.

Yankees continue exploring bullpen and rotation possibilities

Beyond the catching market, the Yankees are also evaluating potential bullpen reinforcements. One name that has surfaced in trade speculation is Mason Miller, although reports indicate the San Diego Padres would require an overwhelming return to consider moving their star closer.

The club is also monitoring internal options. Right-hander Will Warren, who made his first relief appearance after 19 starts this season, impressed with increased velocity in a late-game outing.

With the trade deadline approaching, the Yankees are expected to remain active on multiple fronts as they look to reinforce their lineup, bullpen, and catching depth for the second half of the season.

The rookie outfielder entered the game stuck in a 1-for-20 slump before making an unexpected off-field adjustment earlier in the day. “I really haven’t been getting a ton of hits, so I just shaved it off and it worked,” Benge said after the game, according to SNY, referring to the decision to shave off his mustache before the series finale.

The 23-year-old responded with one of his most important performances of the season, coming through twice with two outs and two strikes. In the fifth inning, Benge fought back from an 0-2 count against Reds starter Andrew Abbott before lining a run-scoring single to center field. He added another RBI hit in the seventh inning to provide valuable insurance for New York.

Benge provides spark for struggling Mets lineup

Benge’s offensive breakout arrived at a crucial moment for a Mets team that had scored only six runs during its five-game losing streak entering Wednesday. Despite the recent struggles, the rookie has quietly enjoyed a productive month at the plate, batting .302 in May with six extra-base hits, 14 RBIs, and a .753 OPS.

The timely hitting helped New York finally generate offense after being held to two runs or fewer in six consecutive games. Benge’s ability to battle through difficult counts also stood out as the Mets searched for consistency throughout the lineup.

Meanwhile, Juan Soto continued his hot stretch with a first-inning home run off Abbott. The blast was Soto’s 12th homer of the season and his sixth over the last seven games. Eric Wagaman also contributed by recording his first hit with the Mets while homering in his first start for the club.

Mets bullpen helps secure key victory

New York relied heavily on its pitching staff to close out the win. Rookie Jonah Tong earned the victory after allowing just one unearned run across 3 2/3 innings despite issuing four walks.

Relievers Brooks Raley and Luke Weaver combined for 2 2/3 scoreless innings before Devin Williams escaped a bases-loaded jam in the ninth inning to secure his eighth save of the season.

For the Mets, Wednesday’s victory represented an important step forward after a difficult stretch, while Benge’s unusual pregame adjustment quickly became one of the team’s most talked-about storylines.

“I’m pretty sure there’s going to be a conversation,” Mendoza said after the loss, according to SNY. “We’re going to need Petey to throw important innings for us, whether it’s a starter, whether it’s coming after an opener, or pitching out of the bullpen.”

The comments came after another difficult outing for Peterson, who allowed six runs on a career-high 11 hits as the Mets dropped their fifth consecutive game. The latest loss further highlighted how the Mets are struggling during the 2026 season, though Freddy Peralta remains confident. Meanwhile, Manaea continued his recent strong stretch by allowing just one run across three innings of relief while striking out six batters.

Manaea continues building momentum for Mets

Manaea’s recent performances have strengthened his case for a larger role within the pitching staff. “There’s a lot to like there,” Mendoza said. “The life on the fastball. I think you see the swing and misses, especially at the top of the zone.”

Mendoza also praised Manaea’s ability to escape trouble after entering with runners on base, while highlighting the effectiveness of his cutter, sweeper, and changeup combination.

Peterson focused on improving despite struggles

Peterson had entered Tuesday’s game on a solid run after winning three of his previous four outings in May. However, his struggles against the Reds resembled the difficult stretch he experienced earlier this season when he posted a 7.92 ERA in April.

“I haven’t thought about it,” Peterson said when asked about a potential role change. “I’m focused on going back and looking at what we did well, what we need to do better, and move forward.”

With the Mets continuing to search for consistency during a disappointing stretch, Mendoza suggested that further pitching changes could be necessary as the club attempts to stabilize both the rotation and bullpen.

Following the defeat, Mendoza delivered a blunt assessment of the Mets’ current situation. “It sucks,” Mendoza said after the game via SNY. “I’ve been saying it, it’s not early anymore — we’re not putting ourselves in a good position, obviously. We gotta go out and do it.”

New York has now lost six of its last seven games and continues to struggle offensively, especially with runners in scoring position. The Mets finished 0-for-6 with RISP on Monday and have scored two runs or fewer in five consecutive games, even after the Mets were optimistic about the situations surrounding key players in recent days.

Mets offense continues to struggle without consistency

The Mets collected nine hits against Cincinnati but once again failed to turn traffic on the bases into meaningful offense. Their inability to hit for power has become one of the team’s biggest issues during this recent skid.

“We can sit here and make excuses with some of the guys we’re missing, but we have big-league hitters here and they are struggling,” Mendoza said. “We’re having a hard time putting rallies together, and the biggest thing is our inability to drive the ball out of the park.”

Marcus Semien provided one of the few bright spots offensively, hitting a solo home run in the sixth inning to end the team’s three-game homerless drought.

Mets face growing pressure as season slips away

Just weeks after showing signs of momentum during the Subway Series, the Mets have quickly fallen back into a difficult position in the NL East standings. Juan Soto missed Monday’s game due to illness, adding another challenge for a lineup that has lacked consistency throughout the season.

Meanwhile, the team remains stuck in last place as Memorial Day passes and the playoff picture begins taking shape. With the season approaching its one-third mark, the urgency inside the clubhouse is clearly growing as the Mets search for answers before the gap in the standings becomes even more difficult to overcome.

According to a team announcement shared on X, the Reds confirmed Suárez’s next step in his recovery. “The Reds today sent IF Eugenio Suarez to Triple-A Louisville on a rehab assignment,” the club posted.

The move suggests Suarez could be nearing a return to the major league roster, especially since position players can spend a maximum of 20 days on rehab assignments without being activated. His immediate placement at the Triple-A level also indicates he is progressing well in his recovery process.

Suarez is in his first season back with Cincinnati after previously playing for the club from 2015 to 2021. In 25 games this year, he is batting .231 with a .300 on-base percentage, along with three home runs, 11 RBIs, and 10 runs scored.

Suarez return could boost struggling Reds lineup

Cincinnati’s offense has struggled to find consistency this season, ranking near the bottom of the league in key categories. The Reds currently sit tied for 17th in runs scored, while also ranking 27th in batting average and 24th in on-base percentage.

The potential return of Suarez would provide an important boost to a lineup that has lacked production in key moments. His power and experience remain valuable assets as the team tries to stay competitive in the NL Central race.

Reds continue battling injuries while staying in contention

Injuries have been a major storyline for Cincinnati, with seven players currently on the injured list. Despite that, the Reds recently snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-1 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, improving their record to 25-24.

Cincinnati now sits 4.5 games behind the Milwaukee Brewers in the division standings as they prepare to close their series with Philadelphia before facing the St. Louis Cardinals.

Suarez’s rehab assignment now becomes one of the most closely watched developments for a Reds team hoping to stabilize both its roster and its playoff positioning in the weeks ahead.

After news broke that Tarik Skubal is set to miss multiple weeks due to injury, the spotlight now shifts to the Pirates. MLB reduced Devenski’s suspension to two games after an initial three-game ruling, while Kelly will miss one game. Both also received fines. “Going hard inside to start an at-bat… just trying to execute my pitch,” Devenski said, according to MLB.com, making it clear he did not believe the throw was intentional.

The moment occurred during the seventh inning, when a pitch inside caused Stewart to lose his helmet and react with frustration. After a brief discussion among the umpires, the decision was made to eject Devenski, which later led to the suspension.

Umpires explain decision after reviewing the situation

Crew chief Alan Porter said the ruling was based on the full sequence of events during the at-bat. “We believe he threw it at him intentionally. That’s why we ejected him,” Porter explained.

After the ejection, Yohan Ramirez entered the game and finished the inning. Despite the tension, Pittsburgh went on to secure a convincing 17-7 win, completing a strong series against Cincinnati.

Pirates must adjust with bullpen already under pressure

The suspensions come at a challenging time for Pittsburgh, as the team has relied heavily on its bullpen early in the season. Through 35 games, the Pirates’ relievers have already logged one of the highest inning totals in the league.

That puts more responsibility on starters like Paul Skenes, Mitch Keller, and Bubba Chandler to provide length in upcoming games. The team will look to manage its pitching carefully while Devenski serves his suspension.

Devenski, a veteran with more than a decade in the majors, has made three appearances for Pittsburgh this season, allowing two earned runs in limited innings. Even with a short suspension, his absence adds another test for a team trying to maintain stability on the mound.

According to the Reds on X, “The #Reds today placed C Jose Trevino on a rehab assignment at High-A Dayton.” The catcher has been sidelined since early April due to a thoracic spine strain, and the organization will now ease him back into game action at the minor league level.

Trevino has played in just three games this season, going 1-for-11 at the plate before landing on the injured list. While his offensive production was limited, his experience and defensive presence remain important for a Reds team off to a strong start at 16-9.

Trevino begins gradual return through minor league action

The rehab assignment will allow Trevino to regain timing and rhythm behind the plate. He is expected to start with limited innings as the team prioritizes a controlled workload before considering activation. Cincinnati has emphasized a cautious approach, ensuring the catcher is fully ready before returning to Major League action.

Reds manage multiple injuries while maintaining strong start

Trevino is one of several Reds players currently working through recovery programs, as the team continues to balance early-season success with roster depth concerns.

As Cincinnati moves forward, getting key contributors healthy will be crucial to sustaining its strong position in the standings and maintaining momentum through the next stretch of games.