As spring training looms, the Yankees still have a few roster questions to answer - and interestingly enough, several familiar faces remain on the market. A surprising number of former Yankees are still without a team, and while not all of them make sense for a reunion, a couple could fill real needs for a club that’s still looking to round out its roster before heading to Tampa.
Let’s break it down.
The Yankees’ To-Do List: Right-Handed Bat, Bullpen Depth
The Yankees are still poking around for a right-handed bat, but it’s a tricky search. Jasson Dominguez is expected to be a factor early in the season, and Oswaldo Cabrera brings switch-hitting versatility. Adding another righty could complicate the mix, especially if it means taking at-bats away from younger players the organization wants to see.
Bullpen help, on the other hand? That door’s wide open. Injuries and attrition have left the relief corps thinner than usual, and the Yankees would be wise to explore any reasonable additions - even if it means revisiting some old relationships.
Still on the Market: Former Yankees Without a 2026 Home
Gary Sánchez
“El Gary” spent last season with the Orioles, but in limited action (29 games), he posted a negative WAR and didn’t do much to help his case. He’s still a power-hitting righty behind the plate, but the Yankees aren’t in the market for that kind of profile right now.
Donovan Solano
A Yankee briefly back in 2016, Solano has carved out a solid journeyman career since.
He’s been a steady presence for the Giants, Reds, Twins, and Padres, but struggled during his 2025 stint in Seattle. He’s versatile and experienced, but probably not what the Yankees need at this stage.
Dominic Smith
Smith had a brief Yankees stint in 2025, mostly at Triple-A, before opting out and landing in San Francisco. He hit .284 with a .750 OPS in 63 games - solid numbers - but as a lefty bat, he doesn’t fit the Yankees’ current right-handed hitting need.
Thairo Estrada
The “Summer of Thairo” feels like a lifetime ago.
After a promising stretch with the Giants in 2022 and 2023, Estrada’s performance dipped with San Francisco in 2024 and then again with Colorado in 2025. Once a fan favorite, but his recent production doesn’t scream "reunion."
Gio Urshela
It’s been a tough road for Urshela since his standout 2022 season in Minnesota.
He’s bounced between Detroit and Oakland with little success the past two years. It might be nearing the end of the line, but that grand slam in Cleveland will always be a highlight.
Jon Berti
One of the more forgettable acquisitions of the Brian Cashman era.
Berti didn’t make much of an impact in the Bronx, and Cubs fans didn’t get much more out of him in 2025. He’s still unsigned, and it’s not hard to see why.
Alex Verdugo
No explanation needed here. The Yankees are clearly moving in a different direction.
Mike Tauchman
The “Sock Man” had a solid 2025 with the White Sox, hitting .263 with a .756 OPS, but was non-tendered anyway. He was rumored to be on the Yankees’ radar earlier this offseason, but he’s another lefty bat - not a fit right now.
Nestor Cortes
Cortes is recovering from Tommy John surgery after being dealt to the Brewers in the Devin Williams trade. He’s unlikely to pitch in 2026, so he’ll remain unsigned until he’s healthy again.
Frankie Montas
Another one where the Yankees have likely closed the book.
Marcus Stroman
Same story. No need to elaborate.
Jordan Montgomery
Monty’s story is a tough one.
After a rough 2024 with Arizona (-1.4 WAR) and a lost 2025 due to Tommy John, he’s facing a long road back. Still, he’s got a World Series ring from 2023, and plenty of fans still believe the Yankees didn’t handle his departure well.
Justin Wilson
This one’s a bit of a head-scratcher.
Wilson put up a 3.35 ERA and 2.95 FIP over 61 games for Boston last year and yet remains unsigned. Could’ve been a bullpen option earlier in the offseason.
Jake Cousins
Cousins was a classic Yankees/Matt Blake project - a potential hidden gem.
But he missed all of 2025 recovering from Tommy John, and the Yankees ultimately non-tendered him. With so many injured arms already on the roster, it’s understandable.
Lou Trivino
Part of the ill-fated Montas trade, Trivino bounced between three teams in 2025 and helped the Dodgers down the stretch. He wasn’t dominant, but he might be getting back to full strength after a rocky, injury-plagued stint in New York.
Tommy Kahnle
Kahnle’s issue is well-known: great first half, then he fades. Still, if used carefully, he could be a useful bullpen piece - even if just for a few months.
Chad Green
A fan favorite who struggled with the Blue Jays in 2025 (5.56 ERA, 1.47 WHIP). His time in New York will be remembered fondly, but his recent form isn’t helping his market.
Possible Reunions: Two Former Yankees Who Could Actually Return
Austin Slater
Slater’s brief 2025 stint in pinstripes was derailed by a hamstring injury shortly after he arrived at the trade deadline.
He played just 14 games, but the Yankees reportedly offered him a one-year, $1 million deal to return in 2026. He’s a right-handed hitter who can help balance the outfield - as long as he’s not blocking someone like Dominguez from getting reps.
Zack Littell
A name from the past - Littell was originally with the Yankees back in 2017 before being traded for Jaime García.
Now, he’s surfaced as a potential fit once again. Littell brings versatility: he can start, handle long relief, and keeps walks to a minimum.
With the Yankees dealing with early-season pitching injuries, he’d be a savvy addition to help stabilize the staff.
Bottom Line
The Yankees still have some work to do before spring training kicks off. While most of the former Yankees floating around free agency don’t move the needle, a couple of them - like Slater and Littell - could offer real value in the right role. With roster flexibility and health concerns in play, don’t be surprised if one or both finds their way back to the Bronx in the coming weeks.