MLB: Yankees roster predictions

After a devastating 3-1 loss in the 2025 ALCS against the Toronto Blue Jays, the New York Yankees face another offseason of reflection and roster reshaping. Despite a strong regular season fueled by key acquisitions, injuries and inconsistency once again halted their championship hopes.

Following their 2024 postseason collapse against the Dodgers, the Yankees made several bold moves, trading Gleyber Torres and Nestor Cortes while watching Juan Soto sign a record $765 million deal with the Mets.

Their mid-2025 additions of Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt and Ryan McMahon, along with young contributors Jasson Dominguez, Ben Rice and Trent Grisham, helped the Yankees regain their regular-season dominance.

Pitching depth was tested after losing Gerrit Cole for the season, Clarke Schmidt in July, and a struggling Luis Gil. Free-agent signing Max Fried and rookie Cam Schlitter stepped up, stabilizing the rotation. Still, the Yankees fell short in October once again, signaling that more adjustments are needed to reach title No. 28.

Re-signing Cody Bellinger
Bellinger opted out of his three-year, $80 million deal after a breakout season in New York (.272 AVG, 29 HR, 98 RBI, .814 OPS). His elite defense and clutch hitting made him indispensable. He’s expected to re-sign on a six-year, $180 million contract—an essential move for Brian Cashman and the Yankees’ core.

Pursuing Kyle Tucker
The Yankees could make a major splash by signing free-agent outfielder Kyle Tucker, one of baseball’s most complete players. After posting a .266 AVG, 22 HR, and .841 OPS with the Cubs, Tucker is seeking a deal worth over $300 million.

Rival offers may exceed $400 million, but pairing Tucker with Aaron Judge and Bellinger could form one of MLB’s most dangerous outfields. To land him, the Yankees would likely need to move key players and prospects.

Re-signing Trent Grisham
Grisham emerged as a surprise star, hitting 34 home runs with an .812 OPS and elite defense (.993 fielding percentage). The Yankees have reportedly offered him a one-year, $22 million deal. While his postseason struggles raised questions, his overall value makes re-signing him a smart move.

Top Prospects: Spencer Jones & George Lombard Jr.
Two rising stars could soon join the Bronx. Outfielder Spencer Jones, MLB’s No. 4 prospect, slugged 35 home runs with a .419 average in 2025 and is seen as a young Aaron Judge prototype.

Shortstop George Lombard Jr., the Yankees’ top prospect, impressed defensively (.983 fielding in Double-A) and could challenge Anthony Volpe for the starting role after Volpe’s disappointing season. Promoting both could inject new energy into the lineup.

Trade Candidates: Austin Wells & Jasson Dominguez
If the Yankees pursue Tucker or another major name, catcher Austin Wells (.219 AVG, 21 HR) and outfielder Jasson Dominguez (.257 AVG, 10 HR) could be trade pieces. Wells excels defensively (.998 fielding percentage), but his bat lags. Dominguez’s inconsistency and defensive issues might make him expendable despite his potential.

The Yankees’ 2026 rotation remains uncertain. Gerrit Cole and Clarke Schmidt aim to return by midseason, while Carlos Rodón’s elbow surgery delays his start.

For now, Max Fried will headline a group featuring Cam Schlitter, Luis Gil, Will Warren, and Ryan Yarbrough. Expect the Yankees to explore free agents or minor league call-ups to stabilize early.

Whether the Yankees pursue another major overhaul or make minor tweaks, one thing is clear: the window for their 28th championship remains open, but only if they find the right balance between star power and consistency.

Isabella Sposato is a fourth-year studying broadcast journalism. To contact her, email ics5090@psu.edu.