The New York Yankees, as per usual, appear headed towards the playoffs. They enter the all star break with a 54-42 record, sit second in the American League East division, and have the 10th hardest 2nd half schedule. This Yankees team looked like they'd run away with the division and the 1st seed in the playoffs during the beginning stretch of the season. However since Aaron Judge went down with a stress fracture in his rib, this team has, at times, looked like a shell of themselves. It's clear if the Yankees want to make a serious run at the World Series, they will need to fill some holes on their team. But which holes become the biggest priority?

Catcher

The catcher position became a significant hole this season when no one expected it to be. Austin Wells after hitting 21 home runs last year seemed to be ready to make another leap and hold onto that starting catcher spot. However, he's turned in one of the worst offensive seasons in MLB history. Making guys like Twins' catcher Ryan Jeffers and Rockies' all star Hunter Goodman key targets for the Yankees this deadline. Either one of these two fills multiple needs. It adds a powerful right handed bat to a lineup that can't hit lefties, and in the case of Goodman gives you multiple years of control at the catcher position.

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Bullpen help

The Yankees bullpen was the big question mark coming into the season, and at some points seemed like the biggest hole that needed to be filled. Well somehow they hold the best ERA in baseball despite having multiple blown games earlier in the season. David Bednar is having an incredible stretch, but the Yankees could still use a shutdown closer. Look no further than Mason Miller of the Padres. Miller would be an incredibly expensive trade to make, but he brings a sub 1 ERA, multiple years of control, and will surely still be the best closer in baseball after this season. The real question is whether or not the Yankees are willing to include top prospects like George Lombard and Carlos Lagrange. But if Miller doesn't happen, there's other cheaper options like former Yankee Luke Weaver who could be explored.

Starting pitching

One spot that is actually a significant strength of this Yankees team, but you can always use more starting pitching.  With a player of Tarik Skubal's caliber potentially available, you have to make an attempt at him. While it isn't the biggest priority for this Yankees team, it would give them far and away the best rotation in October. There's also the possibility of a team like the Rays or Dodgers making a run at Skubal, which could be detrimental down the road for the Yankees.

It seems as though the catching position is due for the biggest upgrade at the deadline, but make no mistake it definitely won't be the only move the Yankees make