Yankees Acquire Austin Slater to Boost Depth and Dominate Lefties

The New York Yankees added a strategic piece to their playoff push on July 30, 2025, acquiring outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox in exchange for right-handed pitching prospect Gage Ziehl. With the postseason in sight and roster depth tested by injuries, the move gives the Yankees a valuable weapon against left-handed pitching and added lineup flexibility. Slater, 32, isn’t a superstar, but he’s the kind of smart addition that can pay dividends in October. Known for his ability to mash left-handers, Slater carries a career slash line of .261/.338/.522 against southpaws, including a 126 ...