MLB 2026: What to expect from six make-or-break Yankees

"You start measuring that versus the alternatives and weighing that, and you try to make those informed decisions, and that's how it's played out. As a result, 24 of the 26 players on a roster that was thrashed by the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series last October remain. The only two not with the club -- relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver -- signed free agent contracts with the New York Mets."

"But team officials do not view the 2026 Yankees as the same as the 2025 Yankees. They point to the flurry of trade deadline deals that revamped the roster at midseason. Closer David Bednar, reliever Camilo Doval, third baseman Ryan McMahon, and utility players Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario were Yankees for less than three months. And officials believe that final iteration was a World Series contender that will be bolstered by ace Gerrit Cole's return during the season."

"The run-it-back winter means there will be plenty of familiarity to start the season, but the Yankees' fate will depend in large part on a group of players unlikely to be in the lineup on Opening Day. In addition to Cole, two prominent contributors are slated to return from injury before the All-Star break and another soon thereafter."

The Yankees pursued a relatively quiet offseason, retaining nearly their entire 2025 roster that lost to Toronto in the ALDS. General manager Brian Cashman emphasized that each transaction was evaluated individually based on free agent and trade market conditions rather than a deliberate strategy to reunite the team. Only relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver departed for the Mets. Team officials distinguish the 2026 roster from 2025 by highlighting mid-season trade deadline acquisitions of David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Ryan McMahon, Jose Caballero, and Amed Rosario, which they believe created a World Series contender. The team expects significant contributions from injured players returning during the season, including ace Gerrit Cole, which could substantially impact their championship prospects.

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