The New York Yankees are preparing for the upcoming season with confidence in their current roster, as manager Aaron Boone indicated during his first spring media session at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa. The team, which made a postseason appearance last year, will feature familiar faces and aims to build on its recent success.
Second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. reflected the team’s optimism, saying: “This is what this team was built for. We’re running it back because at the halfway point, we thought we built a team that was going to go to the World Series. And we still believe that wholeheartedly. I don’t see a problem running it back with four MVPs on your team.”
Key players such as Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Giancarlo Stanton are set to return. Boone also addressed comments from Isiah Kiner-Falefa, now with the Boston Red Sox, who suggested that Toronto preferred facing New York in last year’s playoffs. Boone described the remark as “a little surprising,” but added: “I guess he was right.”
Boone discussed the competitive landscape of the American League East division, stating: “I feel like I sit up here every year and talk about the AL East, and for good reason. There’s no question that it’s going to be tough. … The division is real. We think we’re one of those teams that can go out and win it. But again, it’s February. All of us and them have a long way to go.”
On the health front, pitchers Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole are recovering from surgeries but have started throwing again and may participate in Grapefruit League games before returning later in the first half of the season. Boone said there have been no setbacks for either pitcher.
Shortstop Anthony Volpe is also rehabbing after left shoulder surgery but could resume batting soon. Boone reported: “He’s doing well. The strength is all there in the weight room… His range of motion is tremendous… I think he’s about at the point where he’s doing all the ground-ball work and full-on in the weight room.”
Regarding Giancarlo Stanton’s readiness after elbow issues limited him last season until June 16—though he still hit 24 home runs—Boone said there would be no restrictions this spring: “He’s had a good winter. He’s ready to roll… Probably the biggest thing is keeping it available so that when things do come up, we’re in a position to pop him out there if we have to.”
The Yankees are also focusing on their pitching depth, including prospects Elmer Rodriguez and Carlos Lagrange who may compete for bullpen roles during spring training.
“One of the things I’m really excited about this year is some of the depth, and to some degree, the competition,” Boone said. “Obviously, you’re getting Carlos back and Gerrit back at some point. If we’re healthy and guys are performing, you could bump some guys into that bullpen mix and end up with guys that not only give you length, but could turn into a leverage situation down there.”
Austin Wells will continue as starting catcher after showing progress both offensively and defensively last season (.219 average with 21 home runs). Boone commented: “When you take his defensive ability and what he’s done offensively, you’d sign up for that from your catcher… There should be more in the tank. He knows that… because we do still really think that he could be a front-line offensive catcher as well.”
