Nearly a month after the Winter Meetings in Orlando, the New York Yankees are expected to become more active in shaping their 2026 roster. General manager Brian Cashman previously stated, “I haven’t accomplished anything yet,” reflecting on the slow progress during the early offseason.
So far, the Yankees have focused on retaining key players from last season. Trent Grisham accepted a $22.025 million qualifying offer in November and will return alongside left-hander Tim Hill, infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario, and swingman Ryan Yarbrough.
The organization is also seeking to re-sign Cody Bellinger, who played 152 games last season with a .272 batting average, 29 home runs, and 98 RBIs. Bellinger’s agent, Scott Boras, has indicated that several teams—including the Dodgers and Cubs—are pursuing him. Cashman commented on these negotiations: “Scott Boras has a very deep roster of players he’s looking to place. How and when he strategically decides to do that — we just stay in touch with the marketplace and see where that takes him, and therefore us.”
If Bellinger returns, he would likely play left field alongside Grisham and Aaron Judge, who is currently the American League’s Most Valuable Player. Jasson Domínguez is currently favored for left field if Bellinger signs elsewhere, with prospect Spencer Jones also being considered.
As an alternative plan should Bellinger not re-sign, reports suggest the Yankees have contacted free-agent infielder Bo Bichette. Bichette could fill in at shortstop while Anthony Volpe recovers from shoulder surgery but may be better suited for second or third base over time.
The Yankees have shown interest in strengthening their pitching staff as well. They have reportedly conducted background checks on Marlins right-hander Edward Cabrera. Cabrera posted an 8-7 record with a 3.53 ERA across 26 starts last season for Miami, recording 150 strikeouts in 137 2/3 innings.
This interest comes as several pitchers—Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt—recover from surgeries. Rodón is closest to returning and may participate in exhibition games by March; Cole could return by May or June; Schmidt might not be available until later in the season.
Additionally, trade discussions have reportedly included Brewers right-hander Freddy Peralta, who will become a free agent after this season.
“We have a strong team,” Cashman said in December. “The job is to make it better and make it stronger.”
