5 Burning Questions the Yankees Need to Answer This Spring
The Yankees didn’t exactly shake up the roster this offseason, and at first glance, it might feel like we’ve seen this movie before. The core is back, the depth chart looks familiar, and most of the names are ones fans already know by heart.
But that doesn’t mean this spring is short on intrigue. In fact, there are a handful of pressing questions that could shape the entire 2026 season in the Bronx.
Let’s dive into the five biggest storylines facing the Yankees as they open spring training.
1. Did the Yankees Actually Fix the Bullpen?
It flew under the radar, but the bullpen saw the most turnover of any unit this offseason - and not necessarily with headline-grabbing reinforcements. After finishing 23rd in ERA last season (4.37), something had to give. Devin Williams and Luke Weaver are out - and to be fair, they weren’t exactly stabilizing forces in 2025.
In their place? A mix of trade-deadline holdovers, unproven arms, and a few intriguing lottery tickets.
Jake Bird, who flashed potential late last year, could be a sneaky breakout if he carries that momentum into a full season. David Bednar and Camilo Doval are known commodities, though their effectiveness will hinge on staying healthy and consistent.
Rafael Montero, fresh off a strong stint with Detroit, is hoping to prove that wasn’t a fluke. And then there are the wild cards: Cade Winquest and Angel Chivilli bring big arms but little experience.
The Yankees didn’t go for proven, high-priced relievers this winter. Instead, they’re betting on upside - and volatility. That approach could pay off in a big way… or it could leave the bullpen as a lingering liability once again.
2. What’s the Plan for Jasson Dominguez?
Jasson Dominguez has been one of the most talked-about Yankees prospects in recent memory, and his name hasn’t left the rumor mill all winter. But now that Cody Bellinger is officially in pinstripes, the conversation around Dominguez’s role has only intensified.
Some expected him to be traded by now. Others think he’s ticketed for Triple-A Scranton to work through some growing pains.
But there’s still a strong contingent that wants to see the 23-year-old get another shot at regular big-league at-bats. After all, he’s still young, still incredibly talented, and still developing.
The Yankees haven’t added a right-handed bat to the outfield mix - at least not yet - which leaves the door cracked open. If Dominguez shows improvement this spring, especially against lefties, he could force his way into the picture. It’s one of those situations where the only way to get real answers is to let the kid play.
3. Can Jose Caballero Push Anthony Volpe Out of the Picture?
Here’s a storyline that hasn’t gotten enough attention: What if Jose Caballero plays so well early in the season that Anthony Volpe’s job is no longer guaranteed?
Volpe is coming off shoulder surgery, and while Aaron Boone has been vague about how long his leash will be, Brian Cashman hasn’t exactly offered a ringing endorsement either. Caballero is expected to start the year at shortstop, and he’s got a chance to make things interesting.
His post-deadline numbers - a .266/.372/.456 slash line over 95 plate appearances - were impressive, even if the sample size was small. But what’s turning heads is the work he’s put in this offseason. He’s been training at Driveline, and early reports suggest he’s made real strides.
If Caballero shows up this spring with improved tools and continues to flash elite speed and defense, the Yankees may have a real dilemma on their hands once Volpe is ready to return. It’s too early to talk about Wally Pipp scenarios, but the pressure is on.
4. Which Young Starters Step Up?
With Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole expected to miss the start of the season, the Yankees are going to lean heavily on their young arms - and there’s no shortage of questions surrounding that group.
Cam Schlittler impressed last postseason, especially with his fastball, but he’ll need to show he’s added more to his arsenal to avoid becoming too predictable. Will Warren has flashed ace-level stuff at times but has struggled with consistency.
Luis Gil - the 2024 AL Rookie of the Year - returned from injury last season with mixed results, and the underlying metrics were concerning. Then there’s Ryan Weathers, the new addition whose raw stuff has scouts buzzing, but who still needs to prove he can put it all together at the major league level.
Two of these four will likely remain in the rotation even after Rodón and Cole return. Spring training will be an early proving ground - not just for who earns those spots, but for whether this group can hold the line until the reinforcements arrive.
5. Is a Prospect Ready to Break Through?
The Yankees’ farm system has some exciting talent, but there isn’t much room on the big-league roster for a surprise breakout - at least not right away. Spencer Jones probably has the clearest path, competing for the fourth outfielder role.
The caveat? He doesn’t solve the team’s need for a right-handed bat.
Still, there are a few names worth watching. Elmer Rodriguez was red-hot in 2025 and could carry that into camp.
Carlos Lagrange has electric stuff that could play in a bullpen role if he harnesses it. Deep cuts like Ben Hess or Kyle Carr could surprise.
And don’t sleep on George Lombard Jr., who has the tools to make a leap if everything clicks.
The most likely breakout candidate? A young pitcher. The Yankees’ system is flush with live arms, and if one of them forces the issue, it could shake up the rotation or bullpen in a hurry.
Final Thoughts
This might look like a familiar Yankees roster, but don’t let that fool you - there are plenty of storylines to watch as spring training unfolds. From bullpen volatility to prospect breakouts, from Dominguez’s role to Volpe’s job security, the answers to these questions could define the Yankees’ 2026 campaign.
One thing’s for sure: this spring isn’t just about getting reps. It’s about finding clarity in a season that’s anything but predictable.