Yankees' Roster Nearly Set as Spring Training Nears - But Bullpen and Bench Still Have Questions to Answer
With spring training just around the corner, the New York Yankees are heading into camp with a roster that’s mostly locked in. Think of it as a “set it and forget it” situation - at least when it comes to the starting lineup and rotation. Outside of a few lingering questions in the bullpen and on the bench, manager Aaron Boone’s decision-making board is looking unusually clean for this time of year.
Starting Lineup and Rotation: No Surprises Expected
The core of the Yankees’ roster is solidified heading into Tampa. Barring injury, there aren’t many jobs up for grabs in the starting lineup or rotation.
Shortstop could’ve been a battle, especially with Anthony Volpe recovering from shoulder surgery and expected to be out until around May. But the Yankees appear ready to roll with José Caballero, whose speed and defensive instincts give them a steady short-term option.
At the back end of the rotation, there might be some debate over whether any of the Yankees’ top pitching prospects should push for a spot. Luis Gil and Ryan Weathers are in the mix, and Ryan Yarbrough could be a candidate for some early starts. But unless someone really forces the issue this spring, the rotation looks pretty close to set.
Where things get interesting - and where Boone and the front office will have real decisions to make - is on the bench and in the bullpen.
Bench Breakdown: Versatility is Key, But Roles Still in Flux
Locks:
- **J.C.
Escarra, C**
- Amed Rosario, UTL
- Oswaldo Cabrera, UTL
- Jasson Domínguez, LF
In the Mix:
- Paul DeJong, UTL
- Jorbit Vivas, INF
- Spencer Jones, OF
Let’s start behind the plate. J.C.
Escarra is penciled in as the backup to Austin Wells, giving the Yankees a rare combo: two left-handed hitting catchers. Escarra’s value goes beyond his bat - which has intriguing pop - and into the finer details of the game.
His framing numbers last season were quietly impressive. He ranked 13th in MLB in framing runs (3.3), despite seeing far fewer opportunities than most of the top names on that list.
For context, Jose Trevino - who ranked just ahead of Escarra - had more than three times as many pitches to work with. Wells, by the way, finished third in the league in that same stat, so the Yankees are clearly emphasizing pitch presentation behind the plate.
Amed Rosario brings a proven track record of hitting lefties - he posted an .819 OPS against southpaws last season - and he’s expected to expand his defensive versatility this spring by working at first base. The Yankees are eyeing a potential platoon with Ben Rice, who’s also been sharpening his catching skills this offseason but is expected to take the bulk of the first base reps.
Then there’s Jasson Domínguez. The 23-year-old switch-hitter is a bit of a square peg in a round hole as the team’s fourth outfielder.
He’s only played left field at the big-league level, and his numbers against left-handed pitching last season left something to be desired. The Yankees are reportedly on the lookout for a right-handed outfielder who can handle multiple positions - a more natural complement to center fielder Trent Grisham.
Whether that means Domínguez could be on the move via trade remains to be seen, but it’s a storyline to keep an eye on.
Spencer Jones, the 24-year-old outfield prospect with big-time power, will likely start the year in Triple-A. He turned heads last season with 19 homers and an OPS just shy of .900 in 67 games. If he keeps that up, his call-up won’t be far off.
Oswaldo Cabrera, meanwhile, enters camp as the presumed utility man, but his spot isn’t completely locked in. He’s a switch-hitter, but like Domínguez, he’s significantly better from the left side.
The Yankees brought in Paul DeJong as a non-roster invitee - a veteran who plays all over the infield and bats right-handed. DeJong didn’t have a strong offensive season last year, but his glove and experience give him a shot to make the roster.
Jorbit Vivas, another utility option, is out of minor-league options and could force the team’s hand if he flashes the contact skills that once made him a top prospect.
Bullpen Battle: Top Arms Set, But Plenty of Competition Behind Them
Locks:
- David Bednar, RHP
- Camilo Doval, RHP
- Fernando Cruz, RHP
- Tim Hill, LHP
- Ryan Yarbrough, LHP
In the Mix:
- Paul Blackburn, RHP
- Jake Bird, RHP
- Cade Winquest, RHP
- Brent Headrick, LHP
- Yerry De Los Santos, RHP
- Angel Chivilli, RHP
The late-inning trio of Bednar, Doval, and Cruz gives the Yankees a formidable back end. Bednar is expected to close, with Doval and Cruz likely sharing setup duties. Tim Hill returns as the go-to lefty specialist, and Yarbrough offers a valuable multi-inning arm with a different look from the left side.
After that, it’s an open competition - and there’s a lot to sort through.
Paul Blackburn signed a one-year, $2 million deal, which would typically suggest a secure spot. But after being DFA’d by the Mets last year, he’ll need to prove he can carve out a role - potentially as a reliever, much like Luke Weaver did in 2024.
Jake Bird is another intriguing name. He flashed potential in 45 games with the Rockies before the trade deadline last season, but struggled after that and was sent down. If he can regain that early-season form, he’s got a real shot.
Cade Winquest, the Yankees’ Rule 5 pick, is a converted starter with high-octane stuff. Assistant GM Mike Fishman pointed to his “big velocity” and pitch characteristics that the Yankees value. He’s raw, but the upside is real.
Brent Headrick struck out 30 batters in 23 innings last year and could be a sneaky candidate to earn a spot. Yerry De Los Santos has shown flashes with a mid-90s sinker and a solid changeup. And Angel Chivilli - just acquired from Colorado - has the kind of arm the Yankees believe they can develop, despite a rocky 2025 season that saw him post a 7.06 ERA in 43 games.
Final Thoughts
The Yankees are entering spring training with more clarity than chaos - a luxury not every team enjoys. The starting lineup and rotation are essentially spoken for, which means Aaron Boone and his staff can focus on fine-tuning the bullpen and figuring out the right mix on the bench.
That said, don’t mistake stability for complacency. There are still meaningful decisions to be made, especially when it comes to balancing lefty-righty matchups, maximizing defensive versatility, and identifying which arms can be trusted in high-leverage spots.
Spring training might not bring a full-blown position battle, but for the players on the fringe, every rep and every inning will matter. The margins are thin - and the Yankees know it.