Did the New York Yankees err by largely bringing back their existing squad? This query has frequently surfaced this spring, following a relatively uneventful offseason in the Bronx.
Last month, general manager Brian Cashman, in his summary of the Yankees’ roster adjustments during the offseason, stated that he did not begin the winter with the objective of reassembling the previous year’s team. He clarified that each individual transaction occurred within the context of the free agent and trade markets. The timing, sequence, and cost influenced every choice. It simply transpired that nearly every decision resulted in retaining a player.
“When you begin to evaluate that against the available alternatives and weigh those factors, you endeavor to make well-informed judgments, and that’s precisely how things unfolded,” Cashman remarked.
Consequently, 24 of the 26 athletes from the roster that suffered a significant defeat against the Toronto Blue Jays in the American League Division Series last October are still present. The only two not with the organization — relief pitchers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver — secured free agent agreements with the New York Mets.
However, club executives do not perceive the 2026 Yankees as identical to the 2025 Yankees. They highlight the series of trade deadline transactions that restructured the lineup mid-season. Closer David Bednar, reliever Camilo Doval, third baseman Ryan McMahon, and utility players Jose Caballero and Amed Rosario were part of the Yankees for under three months. And officials hold the conviction that this final iteration was a World Series contender, destined to be strengthened by the return of ace Gerrit Cole during the season.
The decision to essentially ‘run it back’ this winter implies a great deal of familiarity at the commencement of the season, yet the Yankees’ ultimate destiny will substantially hinge on a group of athletes unlikely to be featured in the starting lineup on Opening Day.
Besides Cole, two key contributors are slated to come back from injuries prior to the All-Star break, and another shortly thereafter. Two youthful outfielders are improbable to make the team out of spring training, thereby positioning them as overqualified reserves within the organization — and potential trade assets for enhancements in other areas.
With Opening Day just over two weeks away, here is an overview of those six individuals and their current season projections.
Condition: Recuperating from Tommy John surgical procedure
Anticipated return: Early June
Cole’s advancement has garnered significant attention during spring training. Initially, manager Aaron Boone disclosed that Cole might pitch in a Grapefruit League game. Then Cole, showcasing a modified windup, reached 97 mph during his initial encounter with batters in practice at Steinbrenner Field.
Nevertheless, Cole has affirmed that he adheres to his original schedule for returning: 14 to 18 months subsequent to Dr. Neal ElAttrache performing the operation on his right elbow last March. This implies mid-May is the earliest he could rejoin the pitching rotation. Assuming no setbacks, June appears to be the more probable outcome to ensure he is not hurried.
“It genuinely hasn’t shifted,” Cole commented. “That aligns with the research findings. That aligns with the comparisons we’ve examined, and that’s where it has consistently stood.”
Only time will reveal whether Cole will revert to his Cy Young-caliber performance before the conclusion of his age-35 season. Should he achieve this, the Yankees will incorporate an ace into one of the league’s most formidable rotations.
Condition: Recuperating from an elbow operation
Anticipated return: Early May
Rodón managed to avoid Tommy John surgery, yet elbow procedures are never minor for pitchers. The left-hander underwent the removal of loose bodies and the shaving down of a bone spur in October, having experienced discomfort for much of the previous season. Rodón mentioned he was unable to elevate his arm or even fasten his shirt when he recorded a 3.09 ERA over 195⅓ innings across a league-leading 33 starts.
Now, Rodón possesses his complete range of motion once more. He has executed several bullpen sessions, though without employing any breaking pitches, since his surgical intervention. The Yankees are aiming for a late April or early May comeback. More recovery time is always beneficial, and the Yankees should not feel compelled to rush his return to the mound, making May the cautious estimate.
“Honestly, I cannot be conclusive with you and state, ‘Hey, this is precisely when I’ll be prepared,’” Rodón declared last month. “There are numerous highs and lows in any rehabilitation journey. The advancement is considerably swifter than typical elbow operations one hears about, such as Tommy John, a reconstructive procedure. I wish I could offer a definitive response, [but] I’d likely be incorrect if I did. I might be ahead of schedule, I might be behind. And that’s simply the reality.”
Condition: Recuperating from shoulder surgical procedure
Anticipated return: Mid-May
Volpe played through a partial tear in the labrum of his left shoulder for the majority of 2025 and underwent surgery shortly following the season’s conclusion. He has declined to attribute his diminished performance to the injury, but it undoubtedly did not aid his cause.
Volpe, who will celebrate his 25th birthday in April, registered the worst of his three major league campaigns last year. Defensively, he considerably declined from being a proficient shortstop. Offensively, he once again performed significantly below average, a disheartening indication for an organization that has been awaiting the former top prospect’s next significant stride.
He has not dismissed the possibility of an April return, but Cashman has indicated that May is more probable. In the interim, José Caballero will commence the season as the everyday shortstop. Cashman and Boone have conveyed their unwavering confidence in Volpe, yet Cashman in December opened the door for Caballero to maintain his starting shortstop role if he performs commendably during Volpe’s absence.
Another prospect — though the least likely — is that the Yankees retain Volpe in Triple-A after his rehabilitation assignment. He still holds minor league options. The Yankees might decide to permit Volpe to rediscover his rhythm in a less pressure-filled environment. However, chances are high that he will rejoin the team once he is fit.
Condition: Recuperating from Tommy John surgical procedure
Anticipated return: Mid-August
Schmidt was enjoying another robust season — boasting a 3.32 ERA across 14 starts — when he was sidelined and underwent Tommy John surgery in July. It wasn’t a full reconstruction, so his recovery period is abbreviated, and he hopes to be back soon after the All-Star break.
Circumstances often resolve themselves in baseball, but it’s conceivable that Schmidt could come back as a relief pitcher, considering the Yankees’ rotation, if healthy, will be as deep as any. That would also facilitate a lighter workload coming off the surgery late in the season.
Condition: On the outside looking in
Forecast for Opening Day: Triple-A
Let’s calculate this now. Last month, Cashman
It was conceded that accumulating daily playing time serves Dominguez’s “best interest,” while it was also noted that Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham are set to be the Yankees’ primary outfielders. Furthermore, with Giancarlo Stanton being fit and anticipated to commence the season as the designated hitter, and the Yankees having recently extended an invitation to seasoned outfielder Randal Grichuk—the desired right-handed batter they sought—Dominguez seems likely to be assigned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for the season’s commencement.
“We’ll simply need to observe how this spring unfolds, seeing who distinguishes themselves,” Cashman stated. “Then, we will reach suitable conclusions during our discussions near the conclusion of training camp. So, we shall see what path unfolds. Clearly, there’s adaptability within the squad, with numerous players we can employ in various capacities. Whether they join the main squad or are assigned to Triple-A, it remains to be seen.”
Dominguez’s prospects for a roster position are hindered by a pair of constraints. The Yankees do not perceive him as a major league center fielder, which consequently restricts his options to left field or designated hitter. Moreover, he was unproductive when batting right-handed against left-handed pitching last season, achieving a .204/.279/.290 slash line with a single home run across 104 plate appearances.
While developing into a competent center fielder is improbable, enhanced performance as a right-sided batter might create openings. Dominguez recently celebrated his 23rd birthday last month. He possesses exceptional swiftness. He has displayed glimpses of talent when batting left-handed. However, there is likely no immediate vacancy for him on the current squad.
Current Standing: On the periphery
Anticipated Start for Opening Day: Triple-A
Jones is subsequent on the team’s hierarchy following Dominguez. He will reach 25 years of age in May, still awaits his major league debut, and is almost certain to commence the season in Triple-A.
Although he is a genuine center fielder possessing some of the most significant power in the minor leagues—he hit 35 homers last season—Jones hasn’t appeared in the majors due to excessive strikeouts. He amassed 179 punchouts last season, following 200 in 2024. His 35.4% strikeout rate last season would have been the highest in the major leagues.
This obvious deficiency, coupled with his age, led to his removal from recent top 100 prospect rosters and a diminishing of his trade value. Nevertheless, he should get the summons in 2026—whether with the Yankees or a different organization—provided he stays in good health.
“Clearly, [he’s] an individual who truly overcame numerous challenges last year and made a significant impact, likely securing a regular position, aiming to become entrenched at the major league tier perhaps in alternative franchises,” Cashman remarked. “He’s presently impeded within our team.”