Why a Reunion with Amed Rosario Could Quietly Be One of the Yankees’ Smartest Offseason Moves
The Yankees have some big-ticket items on their offseason to-do list - center field, the rotation, and bullpen depth are all front-burner concerns. But behind those headline needs, there’s another layer of roster building that could be just as important for a team looking to take the next step in 2026. And that’s where Amed Rosario enters the picture.
Let’s start with what the Yankees were in 2025: an offensive juggernaut. They led the majors in home runs (274), runs scored (849), and OPS (.787).
That’s a lot of thunder. But under the surface, there was a clear imbalance - this was a team that struggled to consistently put the ball in play.
Their .251 team batting average landed them 10th in the league, which is solid, but not elite. And that number was propped up in large part by Aaron Judge, who won the AL batting title, and strong contact hitters like Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt - both of whom are now free agents.
So while the Yankees could still slug with anyone, their ability to manufacture runs without the long ball was limited. That’s a vulnerability, especially in October, when power tends to come at a premium and pitching dominates. Enter Rosario.
Rosario didn’t get a full runway to show what he could do in pinstripes after arriving at the trade deadline - a shoulder issue slowed him down - but when he was on the field, he made his presence felt. In just 33 plate appearances over 16 games, he posted a .788 OPS.
Small sample, sure, but the skillset is what matters here. Rosario has long been known for his ability to hit left-handed pitching, and in 2025, he slashed .302/.328/.491 against southpaws.
That’s not a fluke - he owns a career .800 OPS against lefties.
That’s a perfect fit for a Yankees lineup that’s once again shaping up to be lefty-heavy. Ryan McMahon, who came over midseason and is under contract for two more years at $32 million, struggled mightily against lefties - his OPS against same-handed pitching was just .534.
A right-handed bat like Rosario’s could be a natural platoon partner at third base. It’s not about replacing McMahon outright - that’s unlikely - but giving Aaron Boone more matchup flexibility is a win in itself.
And Rosario brings more than just a platoon bat. Among all free agents this winter, he posted the second-highest expected batting average (.291), trailing only Bo Bichette.
That’s a key stat for a Yankees team that needs more contact and fewer empty swings. In a lineup full of power hitters, Rosario’s ability to put the ball in play and keep innings alive is a much-needed change of pace.
Then there’s his versatility. While Rosario’s days as an everyday shortstop might be behind him, he can still handle second base and the corner outfield spots.
That kind of flexibility is invaluable over a 162-game grind. It also opens up more possibilities for the Yankees to experiment elsewhere - maybe giving Jose Caballero more reps at shortstop to push Anthony Volpe, rather than locking Caballero into a utility role.
And let’s not overlook the price tag. Rosario made just $2 million in 2025, and even with a projected bump to around $3.1 million, he’s a low-cost, high-upside option. For a team with luxury tax considerations and bigger financial swings elsewhere, that’s the kind of efficient roster move that can make a real difference.
We’ve seen teams like the Dodgers and Blue Jays lean heavily on versatile role players in deep postseason runs - think Kiké Hernández, Miguel Rojas, Ernie Clement. These aren’t stars, but they’re glue guys who help hold a roster together.
Rosario fits that mold. He solves a specific need, balances the lineup, and gives the Yankees more depth and flexibility across the board.
So while the offseason headlines will continue to swirl around big names and blockbuster moves, don’t sleep on a potential Rosario reunion. It might not make the back page, but it could quietly be one of the smartest moves the Yankees make this winter.