Changes Coming For New York Yankees In 2026
Changes can be expected for the Yankees in 2026, but what will be the sources? The Yankees scored 849 runs last year, tops in Major League Baseball; however, they will not win the World Series. They have not won the World Series since 2009. Who can we expect to be in, or out, for the Yankees in 2026?
These changes are an evolving list, and you can expect the Yankees to be mentioned with all major free agents. The Yankees will also be mentioned regarding important trades, though they may get big contributions from minor leaguers. What changes do you think the Yankees should make in 2026?
Changes For The Yankees In 2026: Free Agents
Eligible Yankees free agents for the Yankees include Pitcher Paul Blackburn, First Baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Outfielder Trent Grisham, Infielder/Outfielder Amed Rosario, Outfielder Austin Slater, and Pitchers Luke Weaver, Devin Williams, and Ryan Yarbrough. Who will the Yankees re-sign, and what changes will they make? It is a good bet that many of these familiar faces will not be back in 2026.
More Potential Changes, More On Contracts
Which players have options for 2026, and how much will they cost? Pitcher Tim Hill has a $3 million club option for 2026. The Yankees are virtually guaranteed to exercise this option. Injured Right-Handed Pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga has a $5 million club option.
The Yankees are virtually guaranteed to decline this option. The deadline for players and teams to make 2026 option decisions is five days after the end of the World Series.
Who might be a non-tender candidate? Pitchers Jake Bird, Jake Cousins, Scott Effross, Ian Hamilton, and Mark Leiter Jr. Only Cousins and Hamilton are likely to be back. In baseball, non-tendering refers to a team’s decision not to offer a contract to a player, making them a free agent. This usually happens by early December each year.
New Players?
Who are the Yankees likely to call up, bringing changes to the roster? Outfielder Spencer Jones is a likely candidate. He has prodigious power and strikes out, so he will fit right in. Pitcher Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz could also make the roster. The Yankees got him when they traded Carlos Narvaez to the Boston Red Sox. Pitcher Chase Hampton may get added if he recovers from Tommy John surgery.
What Other Changes May Occur?
The biggest needs for the Yankees are in the outfield and bullpen. The starting rotation is probably strong, but several starting pitchers (Carlos Rodon, Gerrit Cole, and Clarke Schmidt) will start the season on the injured list. Shortstop, with Anthony Volpe, is also likely to start the season on the injured list.
Cody Bellinger and Trent Grisham are both set to test free agency. So, the Yankees need at least one outfielder. They might re-sign Bellinger. So, that would not be one of the changes. At present, their outfield would consist of Aaron Judge, Jasson DomÃnguez, and potentially Jones, the Yankees’ No. 4 prospect per MLB Pipeline.
In the infield, their current plan would be to start José Caballero at shortstop. However, if they sign a free agent shortstop, they could move him into a 10th man/utility role. The rest of the infield is relatively settled, though Jazz Chisholm Jr. may want a new contract.
The relievers underperformed last season, and major changes are coming there. They will have a new look this winter. David Bednar, Fernando Cruz, and Camilo Doval should be back. However, both Luke Weaver and Williams were awful and could be elsewhere by Opening Day.
Who Are the Yankees Likely To Target In Free Agency?
The Yankees are likely to re-sign Bellinger. Kyle Tucker’s name is mentioned frequently in media reports, and Bo Bichette headlines the shortstop market. A serious run at Pete Alonso seems unlikely with Ben Rice seemingly in line to take over as the full-time first baseman, but Edwin DÃaz makes sense.
The Yankees are also going to look overseas. They have been connected to two Japanese stars, corner Infielders Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto.
Conclusion
Changes are likely to occur on the Yankees roster this winter, like every winter. The Yankees have to be upset with their 2025 showing, getting eliminated in the Division Series. As General Manager Brian Cashman, Owner Hal Steinbrenner, and Manager Aaron Boone watch the World Series, there is no doubt they are thinking about what changes the Yankees should make for 2026.
