The New York Yankees have taken a notably measured approach this offseason - and according to recent comments, that might be entirely by design.
During an appearance on The Michael Kay Show, ESPN’s Jeff Passan offered insight into the Yankees’ mindset heading into 2026. While fans might be expecting a flurry of blockbuster moves, Passan suggested the front office is standing pat for a reason: they believe this team, as currently constructed, can compete for the AL East crown.
“I think the Yankees like the team that they have right now, and think they can win the American League East with it,” Passan said. “If opportunities present themselves, I think they will jump at them, but I don’t think we’re going to see an offseason with the Yankees being the most aggressive team out there like we’ve grown used to.”
That’s a shift in tone from the high-octane offseasons we've seen from the Bronx Bombers in the past, where big names and big contracts were almost expected. But this winter, the Yankees have kept things relatively quiet - at least so far.
Their most notable moves to date? Re-signing outfielder Trent Grisham and adding veteran reliever Ryan Yarbrough. On the flip side, they’ve watched Devin Williams and Luke Weaver head across town to the Mets, and remain in ongoing discussions with Cody Bellinger - a name that could still change the complexion of their lineup if a deal gets done.
Still, the message from the Yankees seems clear: they believe in their core. Despite a 2025 postseason that ended earlier than they’d hoped, the organization appears confident that internal improvements and better health could be enough to push them deeper into October next year.
Of course, standing still in the AL East is always a gamble. The division remains one of the toughest in baseball, and while the Yankees have talent on both sides of the ball, the margin for error is razor-thin. There’s still time for the front office to make a splash - and they’ve certainly shown a willingness to act when the right opportunity arises - but this offseason might be more about calculated moves than headline-grabbing ones.
Bottom line: the Yankees aren’t trying to win the winter. They’re trying to win the season. And right now, they believe they’ve got the roster to do it.