TAMPA — Here come the 2026 Yankees, looking a lot like the 2025 edition.
This might be a bit simplified, but it kind of sums things up. The Yankees are gearing up for spring training with a roster that’s mostly unchanged from last year’s ending. In fact, 24 out of the 26 players who wrapped up the last season are back in the fold. They had a pretty competitive ALDS against the Blue Jays, so it’s not all bad.
The fans haven’t exactly reacted positively to this decision to keep the core team the same. It’s likely to linger in their minds throughout the year unless there are some changes. The management, however, believes strongly in this roster’s potential as they push through the upcoming season.
“I don’t believe we should stick with the same team,” said Brian Cashman, entering his 29th camp as GM, now working under the last year of his contract. “Yes, there will be new challenges. Some teams have improved, while others have struggled. Our division remains the most competitive in baseball.”
“It’s important to remember, though, that it’s just one series.” he continued. “Success or failure doesn’t immediately reflect our overall abilities. In postseason baseball, you have to bring your best game every series, or it’s over. That doesn’t mean we can’t achieve great things.”
It’s a long eight months ahead before the Yankees have another crack at shaking off that World Series championship drought, which, by the way, now stands at 17 years.
Regardless, the journey starts now. Pitchers and catchers are set to report on Wednesday, with position players coming in on Sunday.
Looking back, a couple of crucial players in the ALDS, like Max Fried and Carlos Rodon, faltered badly—giving up 13 runs over just 5 ⅓ innings. But they haven’t been reliable mainstays in the rotation.
The Yankees’ offense, which dominated scoring during the regular season, faltered in clutch moments. They’re focused on revitalizing that aspect.
A potential game-changer this season could be the return of Gerrit Cole, who has been out recovering from Tommy John surgery. They’re hopeful he’ll be back by June at the latest.
What version of the former AL Cy Young Award winner they’ll get, remains to be seen. Rodon is recovering from his own elbow issues but is eyeing early May for a return. With rookie standout Cam Schlitler full-time this season, they’ll also pair him with Lewis Gil, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, and maybe Clark Schmidt down the line.
Given that Fried, Schlitler, Warren, and Rodon all faced heavy workloads last season, the Yankees will likely play it safe during spring training—making sure they stay healthy.
As for the lineup, there’s been anticipation regarding Cody Bellinger, who recently signed a five-year deal to stay with the team. The return of Trent Grisham will also help solidify their offensive options.
They’re bringing back right-handed bench players Amed Rosario and Paul Goldschmidt, both of whom bring valuable skills to the team.
But questions linger. Is the team too left-handed? Can Grisham replicate his breakout performance? What will Anthony Volpe’s return from shoulder surgery look like, and will he reclaim his starting shortstop position, or will he need to compete with Jose Caballero?
“We feel like we’re gaining more roster flexibility each night,” managers Aaron Boone commented.
Changes are more evident in the bullpen, though, as they let go of Devin Williams and Luke Weaver in free agency and still need to fill those vacancies.
The Yankees showed solid relief pitching last season after acquiring David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Byrd but will benefit from having them for the entire season ahead.
The potential for acquiring a young pitching prospect like Carlos LaGrange as a bullpen option could also surface this spring.
Ultimately, George M. Steinbrenner Field will feel familiar this spring, both in terms of players and the hope for a different outcome come October.
“It’s going to have a different feel this year,” Cashman noted. “Everything’s changing, and we want different results. Better results.”
