Yankees Acquire Austin Slater from White Sox Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

Breaking News update July 30, 2025

Yankees Acquire Austin Slater from White Sox Ahead of MLB Trade Deadline

By Zamal Uddin

The New York Yankees have made another roster move before the 2025 MLB trade deadline, acquiring right-handed outfielder Austin Slater from the Chicago White Sox. In exchange, the White Sox received minor league pitcher Gage Ziehl.

Yankees Strengthen Outfield Amid Aaron Judge Injury

With superstar Aaron Judge currently on the 10-day injured list due to a flexor strain, the Yankees are adding depth to their outfield. Slater, known for his strong hitting against left-handed pitchers, brings much-needed right-handed batting power to a lineup that leans heavily left-handed.

Slater is hitting .236 with 5 home runs and a .721 OPS in 51 games this season. Impressively, all his home runs and a .261 batting average have come against left-handed pitchers, making him a valuable option against southpaws.

Slater’s Role and Contract Status

The 32-year-old outfielder missed over a month earlier this season due to a knee injury but returned to provide consistent depth for Chicago. Signed to a one-year, $1.75 million deal, Slater will become a free agent this offseason, making him a rental player for the Yankees.

He has started 15 games in right field, 9 in left, and 1 as a designated hitter this year. With Judge out and Giancarlo Stanton preparing to play in right field for the first time since 2023, Slater offers lineup flexibility for manager Aaron Boone.

Recent Yankees Trades and Future Moves

This trade marks the third major move by the Yankees this week. The team also acquired Amed Rosario and Ryan McMahon, boosting both their infield and outfield depth.

The Yankees are reportedly still looking for pitching reinforcements—both starters and relievers—before the trade deadline closes Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.

Blue Jays Land Reliever Seranthony Dominguez

Meanwhile, another AL East trade made headlines as the Toronto Blue Jays acquired reliever Seranthony Dominguez from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for top pitching prospect Juaron Watts-Brown.

In a unique twist, the trade was completed between games of a doubleheader between the two teams. Dominguez quickly switched dugouts and pitched a scoreless seventh inning for Toronto in the nightcap.

Dominguez has posted a 3.16 ERA in 44 appearances this season and brings elite strikeout ability to the Blue Jays’ bullpen. Baltimore, in a mild sell-off, has also moved relievers Bryan Baker and Gregory Soto this week.