This story was excerpted from Bryan Hoch’s Yankees Beat publication. To learn the total publication, click on right here. And subscribe to get it often in your inbox.
It will need to have appeared all too acquainted to the Yankees as they watched from dwelling.
As soon as once more, it was the Dodgers turning a visiting stadium right into a champagne-soaked playground this previous weekend, celebrating one other World Sequence title — this time on Canadian soil after final yr’s clincher within the Bronx.
The sight served as a reminder of the mission forward for Brian Cashman, Aaron Boone and the Yankees: to retool, regroup and discover a strategy to knock off baseball’s new powerhouse, the primary staff to repeat as champions for the reason that 1998-2000 Bombers rolled via the Canyon of Heroes.
Here’s a take a look at every, and the way they could match for the 2026 membership:
Cody Bellinger, OF/1BWith Bellinger set to say no a $25 million possibility and take a look at free company in quest of a brand new multiyear deal, the Yankees are anticipated to be amongst his most aggressive suitors.
Bellinger’s left-handed stroke, athleticism and flexibility made him a worthwhile slot in pinstripes, batting .272/.334/.480 with 25 doubles, 5 triples, 29 homers and 98 RBIs in 152 video games. He appeared defensively in any respect three outfield positions, plus first base, making the 30-year-old straightforward to plug into any model of the membership’s future.
“I had an unbelievable time placing on this uniform — Yankee Stadium, the followers, the group, the tradition that these guys have created on this locker room,” Bellinger stated. “It truly is particular. It was a enjoyable group to be part of.”
Paul Blackburn, RHPBlackburn joined the Yankees in August, 5 days after he was designated for task by the Mets. Initially seen as depth, he gained belief with a pointy September, pitching to a 1.50 ERA over his ultimate seven appearances. He turns 32 in December.
With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt sidelined to start 2026, it wouldn’t be a shock to see the Yankees pursue a reunion if the value is true. Mixed, Blackburn was 0-3 with a save and a 6.23 ERA in 15 video games (4 begins) for the New York groups.
Paul Goldschmidt, 1BGoldschmidt added veteran stability and regular protection, batting .274/.328/.403 with 31 doubles, 10 homers and 45 RBIs in 145 video games. He was particularly potent in opposition to left-handed pitching, with a .981 OPS that ranked sixth within the Majors.
Total, Goldschmidt’s bat cooled after a sizzling begin and he misplaced taking part in time down the stretch to Ben Rice, who seems in line to take over because the beginning first baseman this coming yr. Goldschmidt turned 38 in September and says he intends to hunt an opportunity to maintain taking part in in 2026.
“The expertise was nice,” Goldschmidt stated. “Getting a possibility to play for the Yankees, one of many premier sports activities organizations in all of the world … I can’t say sufficient constructive issues about them.”
Trent Grisham, OFGrisham presents an attention-grabbing case for the Yankees after piecing collectively the most effective yr of his profession to this point, batting .235/.348/.464 with a career-high 34 homers and 74 RBIs. With the qualifying supply valued at $22.025 million, he may make sense as a candidate to obtain one, providing Draft compensation if he departs.
A 2020 and ‘22 Gold Glove Award winner, Grisham’s defensive metrics slipped in ’25, not less than partially due to a nagging hamstring situation. Do the Yankees consider Grisham can repeat his ’25 efficiency? Whether or not it’s Bellinger, Grisham or one other import, New York should bolster an outfield alignment that – at current – would come with Aaron Choose, Jasson Domínguez and presumably Spencer Jones, the membership’s No. 4 prospect (per MLB Pipeline).
Amed Rosario, IF/OFAcquired from the Nationals on July 27, Rosario stuffed a reserve position for the Yankees within the second half, offering an lively dugout presence and a potent bat in opposition to left-handed pitching. With New York, Rosario hit .303 (10-for-33) with a homer and 5 RBIs.
José Caballero may even see elevated taking part in time at shortstop early within the season given Anthony Volpe’s restoration from left shoulder surgical procedure, which may create a lane for a participant like Rosario to problem Oswaldo Cabrera for a utility position.
Austin Slater, OFPicked up from the White Sox on July 30, Slater missed most of August with a left hamstring pressure and by no means gained traction, batting .120 (3-for-25) in his 14 video games with the Yankees. The Yanks didn’t carry Slater on both of their postseason rosters.
He was imported partly due to a robust monitor file in opposition to left-handed pitching; over his profession, Slater has hit .267/.357/.430 in opposition to southpaws.
Luke Weaver, RHPWeaver’s $2.5 million possibility for this previous season was considered one of baseball’s finest values, coming off a yr during which he took over the nearer position and pitched to a 2.89 ERA in 62 appearances. The ’25 marketing campaign was a bumpier journey for Weaver, who rushed again from a left hamstring pressure and struggled to regain his consistency.
Late within the yr, Weaver expressed curiosity in returning to a beginning pitching position — doubtlessly eyeing a deal like Clay Holmes landed with the Mets — in addition to frustration with mechanical adjustments applied to protect in opposition to pitch-tipping. He completed with a 4-4 file, eight saves and a 3.62 ERA in 64 appearances.
A two-time Nationwide League Reliever of the Yr celebrated for his ‘Airbender’ changeup, Williams made 67 appearances through the common season, pitching to a 4.79 ERA whereas changing 18 of twenty-two save probabilities.
“At first it was a problem, however I’ve grown to like being right here,” Williams stated. “I really like this metropolis. I really like taking the [subway] practice to the sector each day. I actually loved my expertise right here. … There’s rather a lot to love about this metropolis, however it took me a while to regulate.”
Ryan Yarbrough, LHPYarbrough was a worthwhile swingman this previous yr, pitching to a 3-1 file with one save and a 4.36 ERA in 19 video games (eight begins). Over his eight begins, Yarbrough was 3-1 with a 3.83 ERA, permitting two runs or fewer in seven of these appearances.
As beforehand talked about, the Yankees’ rotation depth shall be impacted to start the yr; a pitcher with versatility to maneuver between the rotation and bullpen — as Yarbrough has already confirmed — can be a worthwhile asset.
