Yankees Eye Ty France as Right-Handed Depth; Oswaldo Cabrera’s Roster Spot in Jeopardy; Grisham’s $22M Deal Looks Like a Steal
As the Yankees continue to fine-tune their roster heading into spring training, three names are drawing attention for very different reasons: Ty France, Oswaldo Cabrera, and Trent Grisham. From potential bench upgrades to roster crunch decisions, the Bronx is buzzing with questions-and the answers could shape how 2026 unfolds in the Bronx.
Ty France: A Glove-First Fit for the Yankees’ Right-Handed Needs
The Yankees are exploring ways to bolster their right-handed depth, and Ty France has emerged as a possible piece to that puzzle. While the power that once made him a middle-of-the-order threat has largely faded-just seven home runs last season and an 88 OPS+-France still brings value in areas the Yankees are clearly prioritizing: contact skills, defensive reliability, and situational upside.
Dig a little deeper into the numbers and there’s a case to be made. France posted a .795 expected OPS against lefties last season, showing he still knows how to grind out quality at-bats in the right matchups.
He’s not going to carry a lineup, but in a platoon role? That’s where he could quietly shine.
Defensively, France was one of the best at first base, finishing second in Fielding Run Value at the position. That kind of glove matters-especially for a Yankees team trying to stay competitive while navigating the financial constraints of the luxury tax. If Ben Rice ends up seeing more time at DH or behind the plate, France could be a steady, low-cost complement who helps keep the infield defense sharp.
He’s also drawing interest from other clubs, including the Mets and Diamondbacks, so if the Yankees want him, they may need to move quickly. But in terms of fit, he checks a lot of boxes: right-handed bat, solid glove, veteran presence, and a potential platoon weapon. Not flashy, but potentially effective.
Oswaldo Cabrera Faces a Crucial Spring
A year ago, Oswaldo Cabrera was the spark plug-versatile, energetic, and the kind of player who could fill in anywhere. But after a fractured ankle limited him to just 34 games in 2025, the landscape around him has changed. And fast.
The Yankees didn’t sit still while Cabrera was sidelined. Jose Caballero came in midseason and made an impression with his speed and offensive contributions.
Amed Rosario returned and brought with him a proven track record against left-handed pitching and steady contact skills. Suddenly, Cabrera's once-secure utility role is looking a lot more crowded.
He still brings value-switch-hitting, defensive flexibility, and that infectious energy-but the Yankees are now operating with a deeper bench and higher expectations. Cabrera will need to show more than just versatility this spring. He’ll need to prove he can outplay the competition.
If he doesn’t? A trade before Opening Day is very much on the table.
The Yankees like what Cabrera brings, but this is a team with October ambitions. Sentiment won’t win roster spots-performance will.
Trent Grisham’s $22M Qualifying Offer? Looking Like a Smart Bet
When Trent Grisham accepted the Yankees’ one-year, $22 million qualifying offer, it raised a few eyebrows. But in hindsight-and especially in light of the current free-agent market-the move is looking more like a bargain than a gamble.
Grisham broke out in 2025 with 34 home runs, pairing that power surge with elite plate discipline. He ranked near the top of the league in both walk rate and chase rate, showing a mature, selective approach that helped unlock his offensive ceiling. The Yankees believe that version of Grisham is here to stay, and the underlying metrics back that up.
The one area of concern? Defense.
Once considered a Gold Glove-caliber center fielder, Grisham’s defensive numbers took a step back last season. If he can rebound even partially on that side of the ball, the Yankees will have landed a middle-of-the-order bat with up-the-middle value-all for one year and $22 million.
In a market where comparable players are commanding longer-term deals at higher annual values, the Yankees’ decision to retain Grisham is aging well. It’s a calculated risk, but one with real upside.
Final Thoughts
The Yankees aren’t making splashy headlines this offseason, but they’re doing something just as important: tightening the margins. Ty France isn’t a star, but he’s a smart fit.
Oswaldo Cabrera might be on the bubble, but the competition around him is legit. And Trent Grisham?
He could be one of the better values in baseball if his 2025 form holds.
Spring training is just around the corner, and roster battles are already taking shape. In the Bronx, the focus is clear: build a deep, flexible team that can withstand the grind and be ready for October. Every move counts-and these three storylines are worth watching as the Yankees gear up for another run.