The New York Yankees are heading into spring training with a roster that looks a lot like last year’s - but don’t let that fool you. Beneath the surface, there are some real questions that need answering before this team can be penciled in as a true contender.
Yes, FanGraphs has them projected to win the AL East, and yes, there’s still time to tweak and tinker. But with pitchers and catchers reporting soon, the clock is officially ticking.
Let’s break down three key questions facing the Yankees as they prep for 2026.
1. What’s the Plan with Jasson Domínguez?
The Yankees don’t have to trade Jasson Domínguez. But they also don’t seem to have a clear path for him to play every day - and that’s a problem.
Domínguez, still just 23, is currently slotted in as the fourth outfielder. But he struggled against lefties last season (just a 63 wRC+), and defensively, he’s only been used in left field.
With Cody Bellinger locked into that spot, and Aaron Judge a permanent fixture in right, Domínguez’s opportunities are limited. Even center field is spoken for, with Trent Grisham expected to handle the bulk of the starts there - and Bellinger capable of sliding over when needed.
That leaves Domínguez in a tough spot. He’s too talented to be a bench bat, but the Yankees’ current outfield mix doesn’t offer him a clear lane to regular playing time. This is a team that’s prioritized lineup flexibility over the last year, and keeping a lefty bat who struggles against lefties as your primary backup outfielder doesn’t exactly scream “versatile.”
The front office seems aware of the issue. They’ve been exploring right-handed hitting outfielders via trade and free agency, with names like Randal Grichuk and Austin Slater surfacing in recent discussions. That’s a clear sign they’re looking for more balance off the bench - and potentially a signal that Domínguez could be the odd man out.
Now, whether the Yankees view him as a trade chip or just valuable depth remains to be seen. But if another team believes in his upside, this could be the moment to “buy low” - especially if the Yankees think they can address more pressing needs elsewhere in the process.
2. Who Steps Up in the Bullpen?
The Yankees lost two key late-inning arms this offseason - Luke Weaver and Devin Williams - both of whom signed with the Mets. That’s a big chunk of high-leverage experience out the door, and so far, the Yankees haven’t made any splashy bullpen additions to replace them.
That leaves the door wide open for internal options to step into bigger roles. Right now, the late-inning responsibilities look like they’ll fall to David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Tim Hill, and Fernando Cruz. That’s a solid group on paper, but the Yankees will need more than just four arms to navigate a full season of bullpen stress.
So who else could emerge?
Paul Blackburn is one name to watch. Six of his eight appearances last season went more than an inning, and while the Yankees might stretch him out in spring training as rotation insurance, he could easily fit into a multi-inning relief role - similar to how Weaver was used in 2024.
Then there’s Jake Bird, who the Yankees were excited to land at last year’s trade deadline. He’s got the stuff to be a middle-innings weapon. Brent Headrick is another intriguing option - his fastball has shown the ability to generate whiffs, and he could thrive in short bursts out of the pen.
And don’t forget about Cade Winquest, the Rule 5 pick. He’s got to stick on the roster or be offered back to his previous team, so the Yankees will give him every opportunity to prove he belongs.
There’s talent here. But until someone grabs hold of those sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-inning roles, the bullpen remains a work in progress.
3. Is the Rest of the Roster Really Set?
On paper, the Yankees aren’t planning any major shakeups before Opening Day. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t areas worth watching.
Start behind the plate. Austin Wells is expected to be the starter, but the Yankees don’t have a right-handed hitting catcher on the roster.
J.C. Escarra and Ben Rice are both lefties, which could create matchup issues against tough southpaws.
At shortstop, José Caballero looks like the Opening Day starter while Anthony Volpe recovers from shoulder surgery. But remember - GM Brian Cashman didn’t rule out an upgrade at the position earlier in the offseason. If Caballero doesn’t hold the job early, the Yankees could be on the lookout for reinforcements.
First base is another question mark. Ben Rice is a lefty, and the Yankees don’t currently have a natural right-handed complement.
Amed Rosario could be an option, though he’s never played the position. If he can prove he’s capable in spring training, he might carve out a role.
Otherwise, the Yankees may have to get creative.
And then there’s the utility spot. Paul DeJong, a veteran non-roster invitee, will get a chance to prove he still has something left in the tank.
But Oswaldo Cabrera is the incumbent, and the Yankees have trusted him in that role before. That battle could come down to who flashes more versatility and consistency in camp.
Bottom Line
The Yankees aren’t in crisis mode - far from it. There’s plenty of talent on this roster, and the core is intact.
But this isn’t a team without question marks. Whether it’s figuring out the best way to use Jasson Domínguez, sorting out the bullpen hierarchy, or shoring up depth at key positions, there’s work to be done between now and Opening Day.
The good news? There’s still time. And if recent history is any indication, the Yankees won’t be shy about making moves if the right opportunity presents itself.