Spring Training is just getting underway, but the New York Yankees are already deep into roster calculus. Health updates, lineup decisions, and long-term roster bets are all taking shape in Tampa, and Aaron Boone didn’t waste any time setting the tone.
The message? This team is planning for October, but it all starts with how they handle February.
Let’s start with the biggest name on the board: Gerrit Cole.
The Yankees’ ace is working his way back from elbow surgery last March, and Boone offered a cautiously optimistic update this week. According to Boone, Cole’s been throwing bullpen sessions all winter out in California and hasn’t hit any snags in his recovery. That’s the kind of news Yankees fans were hoping to hear.
Cole is expected to face live hitters within the next two weeks, and Boone even left the door open for Cole to make an appearance or two in Grapefruit League action before camp breaks. That’s not set in stone, but it’s certainly a sign that the right-hander is progressing well.
Still, the Yankees are playing the long game here. They’re targeting a late May or early June return for Cole, prioritizing his durability over rushing him back into the rotation.
Now, while the rotation is a major storyline, the Yankees also made a significant decision on the position player side. Ben Rice has officially been named the team’s everyday first baseman heading into 2026. That’s a big show of confidence in the 25-year-old, especially with veteran Paul Goldschmidt returning on a one-year, $4 million deal.
Boone emphasized that Rice is the starter - no platoon, no caveats. And he’ll also serve as the team’s No. 2 catcher, giving Boone added flexibility when building lineups.
That dual-role potential is rare, and it shows just how much the Yankees value Rice’s development. Even against left-handed pitching, the plan is to keep him in the lineup and let him grow through the reps.
But make no mistake - this team isn’t starting the season at full strength.
As of now, the Yankees are staring down a rotation without Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, or Clarke Schmidt to open the year. All three are expected to begin the season on the injured list, which forces the Yankees to lean on a mix of big-ticket additions and young arms.
Max Fried, fresh off signing an eight-year, $218 million deal, steps in as the temporary ace. That’s a massive commitment, and the Yankees will need him to anchor the rotation early.
Luis Gil is slotted in behind him, while Cam Schlittler and Will Warren are expected to handle the middle innings. Ryan Weathers, acquired via trade, adds a needed left-handed option.
Rodón is trending toward a return in late April, while Cole remains on track for late May or early June. In the meantime, the Yankees will rely on depth. Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough offer veteran insurance, and prospects Elmer Rodríguez and Carlos Lagrange could get a look if the need arises.
So while the Yankees are still a few months from full strength, the pieces are beginning to fall into place. Boone’s early clarity on Cole’s recovery, Rice’s role, and the rotation’s structure offers a glimpse into how this team is balancing urgency with patience. It’s not just about getting through April - it’s about setting the foundation for a run deep into October.