SPECIAL: 2026 Yankees Season Preview
Photo Courtesy: NETFLIX
Spring Training has concluded. The World Baseball Classic is over. Now, it is time. Time for the pinstripes. Time for the Bronx Bombers. Time for the 2026 regular season!
This baseball season is going to be weird, so as fans, we are going to have to treat it with as much normalcy as possible. There is a chance this is the last normal baseball season we will have for a long time. With a potential lockout coming next year after the league’s collective bargaining agreement expires in December, and the Olympics breaking up the season in 2028, this could be the last year for a while that we have a normal baseball schedule.
This Yankees season is highlighted by the theme of “running it back” because, after a mostly uneventful offseason, the Yankees have reunited with 24 of their 26 players from last season’s playoff roster. They let Luke Weaver and Devin Williams walk, and replaced them with Ryan Yarbrough and Cade Winquest.
The Yankees are also beginning this season with four starting pitchers due to four days off in their first three weeks. As a result, Luis Gil has been optioned to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. So has Jasson Domínguez, with the Yankees preferring veteran right-handed-hitting outfielder Randal Grichuk.
In the next few months, Carlos Rodón, Anthony Volpe, and Gerrit Cole will start their seasons. Rodón received surgery to repair a bone spur in his pitching elbow after last season ended, and Volpe underwent surgery to repair a shoulder labrum tear he played through for most of last season. To replace Rodón, the Yankees acquired lefty starter Ryan Weathers from Miami, and while Volpe recovers, José Caballero will assume starting shortstop duties, with Ryan McMahon backing him up.
Cole, meanwhile, is recovering from Tommy John Surgery and could return to a Big League mound as soon as late May. He is progressing ahead of schedule, but the Yankees are going to take their time with their 35-year-old ace. That means Max Fried, who pitched to a 19-5 record and a 2.86 ERA last season, will return to the front of the Yankees’ rotation. Behind him will be the rookie Cam Schlittler, who burst on the scene late last season and became the Yankees’ most reliable postseason starter.
Next is Will Warren, who made 33 starts in his rookie campaign, which many scouts believed came a year early, out of necessity. Warren is poised for a strong sophomore season, and in the final rotation spot, Ryan Weathers will have to find out whether he can handle the pressure of pitching in New York.
Overall, I believe this is the most complete roster the Yankees have rolled out since 2019. Unlike last year, this team has a starting third baseman in McMahon and a top-tier closer in David Bednar. Last year, Devin Williams was supposed to be that pitcher, but he allowed as many earned runs in one season as he did in his three prior years combined. Williams couldn’t hack it in New York, but after arriving at last year’s trade deadline, Bednar showed he can.
The Yankees’ biggest offseason move was re-signing Cody Bellinger to the tune of $162.5 million over five years. They also extended a qualifying offer to Trent Grisham worth $22.025 million after a breakout season in which he blasted 34 home runs. With millions of dollars to their names, Bellinger and Grisham are expected to deliver this season, hitting behind and in front of, respectively, captain Aaron Judge.
Undoubtedly, Judge is the Yankees’ best player. Aside from staying healthy, which is always top-of-mind for Judge, his teammates must produce around him. Judge won his second straight, and third-career MVP award last season, along with his first batting title.
After years of scrutiny about his career postseason metrics, he slashed .500/.346/.476 with seven RBI in as many games, including a signature moment in Game 3 against Toronto. None of it mattered, though, because the Yankees got eliminated the following night.
Hopefully, the fate of last year’s team lives evergreen in the minds of this year’s, because the only way “running it back” succeeds is if the 2026 Yankees fare better than they did a year ago. The reality continues to be that, despite the countless achievements Aaron Judge has earned in his nine-year career, he can never be regarded among Yankees legends quite the same way as if he wins a championship.
As Judge enters his 10th MLB season, the Yankees are entering their 17th since their last World Series title in 2009. If they don’t win it all this year, they will tie the franchise record for consecutive seasons without a title. Sure, it’s harder to win today than it was between 1979 and 1995, when the Yankees last experienced a drought like this, but Judge will only be in his prime for so long.
It is easy to compare the Yankees to the Dodgers and say they aren’t good enough. The fact is that no team in baseball has as much money as the reigning back-to-back World Series champions. But the Toronto Blue Jays went toe-to-toe with Los Angeles until the bitter end in one of the greatest World Series ever. So, it isn’t like the Yankees, with the third-highest payroll in baseball, can’t compete.
Entering his ninth season as Yankees manager, Aaron Boone has immense pressure on his shoulders to do what he never could as a player: Win the World Series. He wants it. His captain wants it. And so do Judge’s teammates. But they have to show they want it. That’s the difference.
162 is a grind. It’s cliché, but it’s also true. The beauty of the baseball season is that, as fans, we get to overreact to every pitch the same way, from the first one Fried throws tomorrow to the last one Bednar, hopefully, thrusts in October (or early November). Remember, there are 162 stories to tell this regular season. The Yankees need to write as many good ones as they can between March and September so that the book can continue in October.
The goal for this team, of course, is to win the World Series. This roster is talented and complete enough to compete with the best teams in baseball, and if they can stay healthy, they will only get stronger as reinforcements arrive down the stretch.
But first, the Yankees must win the American League East. If they do that, they’ll go to the dance. Once you’re in the dance, anything can happen.
Welcome to the 124th Season of Yankees Baseball!
Record: 94-68, 2nd in AL East
Final Result: ALCS Loss in 6 games to the Detroit Tigers
Best Hitter: RF Aaron Judge (C) –.318 AVG, 54 HR, 116 RBI, 1.208 OPS
Best Pitcher: LHP Max Fried – 20-6, 2.92 ERA
Biggest Boost: 1B/C Ben Rice – .262 AVG, 31 HR, 72 RBI, .819 OPS
Biggest Disappointment: CF Trent Grisham – 28 HR, .226 AVG, 68 RBI, .772 OPS
Lineup
1. CF Trent Grisham (L)
Coming off a career-high season with 34 home runs, Big Sleep hopes to replicate – or at least come close to matching – his production from last season. Grisham accepted the $22.025 million qualifying offer the Yankees presented, which many fans feel was too high. This season, Grisham has expectations on his back, and as the Yankees’ leadoff hitter, he must live up to them. But he probably won’t be quite as productive as he was a year ago. My prediction: 28 HR, .226 AVG, 68 RBI, .772 OPS.
2. RF Aaron Judge (C) (R)
The captain is still in his prime, which means it’s fair to expect him to hit over 50 home runs, or even over 55, if he plays a full season. Judge is the reigning back-to-back MVP, and coming off his first batting title, he needs to be just as productive this season as he has ever been. The Yankees’ offense runs through Judge, and the team’s success is largely based on his success. If he goes down, so does the ship. But if he rises, then the Yankees can achieve it all. My prediction: .318 AVG, 54 HR, 116 RBI, 1.208 OPS.
3. LF Cody Bellinger (L)
This offseason, the Yankees signed Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract. It was the team’s biggest move of the winter. Last season, as predicted, he thrived as a left-handed power hitter at Yankee Stadium, and he consistently showcased speed and defensive talent in left field. One of Bellinger’s greatest attributes last year was his career-low 13.7% strikeout rate. He needs to remain a reliable hitter who can back up Judge in the lineup. My prediction: .278 AVG, 32 HR, 101 RBI, .814 OPS.
4. 1B Ben Rice (L)
One of the league’s unluckiest hitters last season in terms of actual and expected weighted on-base average, Rice consistently hit the ball hard in his first full Major League season. According to Baseball Savant, his 56.1% hard-hit rate ranked in the 97th percentile last season. Hard contact increases the chances of getting a hit, a logical conclusion Rice has embraced. This season, Rice is expected to be the Yankees’ starting first baseman, and he will assume tertiary catching roles if necessary. My prediction: .262 AVG, 31 HR, 72 RBI, .819 OPS.
5. DH Giancarlo Stanton (R)
Big G’s biggest goal is to stay healthy this season. All season. This will require him to miss around ¼ of the Yankees’ games due to scheduled rest. When Judge went on the 10-day IL with an elbow flexor strain last season, Stanton replaced him in right field and transformed into an impossible out at the plate. When healthy, Stanton hits pitches harder than anyone in baseball. However, this has caused elbow issues that have plagued him for many years and delayed his start last season. Now, Stanton can’t open a bag of chips, but he doesn’t care as long as he gets to play baseball. My prediction (120 games): .266 AVG, 25 HR, 58 RBI, .872 OPS.
6. 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L)
When Spring Training started, Prince Jazz proclaimed he could achieve a 50-50 season this year, just like the great Shohei Ohtani. He posted a 30-30 season in 130 games last season, so hopefully he does better than that if he plays more games, but a 50-50 season? Chisholm must temper his expectations. The problem with aiming for 50 home runs is that it will come with a high strikeout rate, so Chisholm must be cautious. At least he is also aiming for 100 walks. My prediction: .238 AVG, 34 HR, 86 RBI, .787 OPS.
7. C Austin Wells (L)
Last year, in his first full season as the Yankees’ starting catcher, Wells proved to be a top defensive catcher in the sport. Like all catchers this season, it will be interesting to see if Wells’s defense evolves behind the plate in response to the ABS system. Wells had a disappointing offensive season last year, so if he improves in that area, it will complement his defense and make him an even better catcher. The World Baseball Classic recognized Wells as a first-team honoree, so hopefully that gives him extra confidence this summer. My prediction: .226 AVG, 26 HR, 82 RBI, .761 OPS.
8. 3B Ryan McMahon (L)
When the Yankees acquired McMahon at last year’s trade deadline, he had racked up some of the most strikeouts in the Majors. He finished the season with the highest strikeout rate in baseball. Playing for the Rockies at Coors Field, there was always pressure on him to deliver. With the Yankees, he doesn’t need to be the one to pull through all the time. Instead, he can focus on reducing his strikeout rate, which he has already started doing with a closer batting stance. McMahon is a Gold Glove-caliber third baseman, and he will be called upon to fill some of Anthony Volpe’s duties at shortstop whenever José Caballero doesn’t play, or when the Yankees want to use Amed Rosario. My prediction: .218 AVG, 17 HR, 51 RBI, .686 OPS.
9. SS José Caballero (R)
Acquired at the deadline last season, Caballero didn’t have to move very far. Playing for the Tampa Bay Rays, he crossed the Yankee Stadium field from the visiting dugout to the home clubhouse. Caballero’s 49 stolen bases led MLB last season, and he will begin this year as the Yankees’ starting shortstop until Volpe returns, which probably won’t be until May. My prediction (104 games): .242 AVG, 8 HR, 38 RBI, .692 OPS, 44 SB.
Bench
C JC Escarra (L)
Last year, he was one of the best stories out of training camp. Having two left-handed catchers on the same roster isn’t ideal, but this former Uber driver is Big League-ready. My prediction: .216 AVG, 5 HR, 14 RBI, .648 OPS.
1B Paul Goldschmidt (R)
The Yankees brought him back because, despite being 38, his right-handed bat is elite against left-handed pitching. Goldschmidt will likely head to Cooperstown after his career ends, and this year, he will back up Rice at first base. This will be especially important when the Yankees face a tough southpaw or Rice struggles defensively. My prediction (116 games): .266 AVG, 12 HR, 47 RBI, .742 OPS.
3B Amed Rosario (R)
McMahon strikes out a lot, especially against left-handed pitching, and the Yankees re-signed Rosario this offseason because of his success against lefties. Although Rosario will mostly back up McMahon, he is a solid hitter in his own right, and he will receive his fair share of chances in the starting lineup. My prediction: .262 AVG, 7 HR, 27 RBI, .769 OPS.
RF Randal Grichuk (R)
Once a Yankee killer, now a Yankee. Grichuk made the Opening Day roster because of his right-handed outfield bat, which makes him a decent depth piece out there, especially because 2/3 of the Yankees’ starting outfield bats are left-handed. My prediction (108 games): .218 AVG, 6 HR, 22 RBI, .670 OPS.
Rotation
1. LHP Max Fried
When Gerrit Cole went down last season, Fried immediately stepped into the pole position of the Yankees’ rotation. He was incredibly consistent last season, but not in the playoffs. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it, but for now, this southpaw should have another strong season in the Bronx. My prediction: 20-6, 2.92 ERA.
2. RHP Cam Schlittler
This rookie took the baseball world by storm when he entered the fray late last season, and with his high-velocity arsenal, he was the Yankees’ best pitcher in the postseason. He offers a different look from the rubber, and he is ready for his first full season in pinstripes. Perhaps contention for Rookie of the Year is in order. My prediction: 14-6, 3.18 ERA.
3. RHP Will Warren
His teammates admire how he made 33 starts in his rookie season. Warren had his ups and downs last year, but he settled in down the stretch. He enters this season as a strong arm in the middle of the Yankees’ rotation. My prediction: 15-8, 3.76 ERA.
4. LHP Ryan Weathers
He was acquired from Miami this offseason because the Yankees needed a hard-throwing lefty to fill the void caused by Carlos Rodón’s injury. Weathers had a difficult Spring Training, and his biggest weakness throughout his career has been his health. Some of his injuries have purely been from a lack of luck, which he hopes to turn around in New York this season. My prediction: 9-5, 5.02 ERA.
5. RHP Luis Gil (in the Minors)
Gil had a rocky start to Spring Training, but if not for four off days in the first three weeks of the season, Gil would have started the year in the Majors. The 2024 Rookie of the Year didn’t return to the mound until early last August, which set him back physically and poorly affected his postseason. My prediction: 12-5, 3.76 ERA.
Bullpen
LR: RHP Paul Blackburn
Blackburn will make some starts for the Yankees this season, but he will mainly serve as a bulk pitcher out of the bullpen and the innings-eater when the Yankees trail by a lot.
LR: #33 LHP Ryan Yarbrough
One of just three lefties in the bullpen, Yarbrough is also a depth piece in the Yankees’ rotation, but out of the pen, he will be called upon for extended relief appearances.
MR: #59 RHP Jake Bird
Acquired among a slew of relievers at last year’s trade deadline, Bird struggled for most of last season, but he isn’t in Colorado anymore. He pitches with a low arm angle, and his main pitch is a sweeper, something unique for a right-handed reliever.
MR: #63 RHP Fernando Cruz
Injuries were Cruz’s biggest hurdle last season, but with his nasty splitter, this bulldog will serve a key high-leverage role in the Yankees’ rotation.
MR: #47 LHP Brent Headrick
The Yankees believe that because of his power and height – he’s 6’6 – Headrick could become the highest-leverage lefty arm in this bullpen.
MR: #80 RHP Cade Winquest
Winquest is the first Rule 5 draft pick to make the Yankees’ Opening Day roster since 2011. His Big League debut will surely be exciting.
MR: #41 LHP Tim Hill
One of the most consistent ground ball generators in the Majors, Hill has made a name for himself with his underhand delivery. He was touched for a few more dingers than usual last season, but he hopes to be more consistent this year.
SU: #75 RHP Camilo Doval
The former closer of the San Francisco Giants, Doval, will pencil into the Yankees’ setup role this season. However, his long delivery makes him one of the league’s biggest pitch timer violators. Despite his high velocity, he often struggles to remain composed on the mound, which can be dangerous, especially in the Bronx.
C: #53 RHP David Bednar
A real closer! Bednar is one of the best relievers in baseball, and he rarely falters, whether he’s trying to get a save in mid-May or late October. His presence makes the Yankees that much more exciting this year, and hopefully, fans won’t have to watch their closer blow countless opportunities like Devin Williams last year and Clay Holmes in 2024.
Active Roster
Pitchers:
Starting Rotation:
1. #54 LHP Max Fried
2. #31 RHP Cam Schlittler
3. #29 RHP Will Warren
4. #40 LHP Ryan Weathers
Bullpen:
LR: #58 RHP Paul Blackburn
LR: #33 LHP Ryan Yarbrough
MR: #59 RHP Jake Bird
MR: #63 RHP Fernando Cruz
MR: #47 LHP Brent Headrick
MR: #39 RHP Cade Winquest
MR: #41 LHP Tim Hill
SU: #75 RHP Camilo Doval
C: #53 RHP David Bednar
Position Players:
Catchers:
#25 JC Escarra (L/R)
#28 Austin Wells (L/R)
Infielders:
#72 SS José Caballero (R/R)
#13 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L/R)
#48 1B Paul Goldschmidt (R/R)
#19 3B Ryan McMahon (L/R)
#22 1B/C Ben Rice (L/R)
#14 3B Amed Rosario (R/R)
Outfielders:
#35 LF Cody Bellinger (L/L)
#12 CF Trent Grisham (L/L)
#99 RF Aaron Judge (C) (R/R)
#34 RF Randal Grichuk (R/R)
Designated Hitter:
#27 Giancarlo Stanton (R/R)
Injuries:
SP #55 LHP Carlos Rodón – Left elbow bone spur/loose bodies, Offseason surgery (10-day IL)
Expected return: Late April
SS #11 Anthony Volpe (R/R) – Left shoulder labrum tear, Offseason surgery (10-day IL)
Expected return: Early May
SP #48 RHP Gerrit Cole – Right elbow ligament tear, Tommy John surgery (15-day IL)
Expected return: Late May
SP #36 RHP Clark Schmidt – Tommy John surgery (60-day IL)
Expected return (if at all): Second half of season
In the Minors:
OF #89 Jasson Domínuguez
SP #81 RHP Luis Gil
Final MLB Standings
AL East:
1. New York Yankees – O/U 90.5: OVER
2. Toronto Blue Jays – O/U 88.5: OVER
3. Boston Red Sox – O/U 87.5: OVER
4. Baltimore Orioles – O/U 85.5: OVER
5. Tampa Bay Rays – O/U 77.5: OVER
AL Central:
1. Detroit Tigers – O/U 85.5: OVER
2. Kansas City Royals – O/U 82.5: UNDER
3. Cleveland Guardians – O/U 79.5: OVER
4. Minnesota Twins – O/U 72.5: UNDER
5. Chicago White Sox – O/U 67.5: UNDER
AL West:
1. Seattle Mariners – O/U 89.5: OVER
2. Houston Astros – O/U 86.5: UNDER
3. Texas Rangers – O/U 83.5: UNDER
4. Athletics – O/U 75.5: OVER
5. Los Angeles Angels – O/U 70.5: UNDER
NL East:
1. New York Mets – O/U 90.5: OVER
2. Philadelphia Phillies – O/U 89.5: OVER
3. Atlanta Braves – O/U 86.5: UNDER
4. Miami Marlins – O/U 72.5: UNDER
5. Washington Nationals – O/U 65.5: UNDER
NL Central:
1. Chicago Cubs – O/U 88.5: OVER
2. Milwaukee Brewers – O/U 84.5: UNDER
3. Pittsburgh Pirates – O/U 78.5: OVER
4. Cincinnati Reds – O/U 80.5: UNDER
5. St. Louis Cardinals – O/U 69.5: OVER
NL West:
1. Los Angeles Dodgers – O/U 102.5: UNDER
2. San Diego Padres – O/U 83.5: UNDER
3. San Francisco Giants – O/U 80.5: OVER
4. Arizona Diamondbacks – O/U 79.5: UNDER
5. Colorado Rockies – O/U 54.5: UNDER
ODDS: DraftKings
Schedule
8:00 PM (7:00 PM CDT): 2026 Opening Night – NYY at SF; NETFLIX; SP: LHP Max Fried (0-0, -.-- ERA) vs. RHP Logan Webb (0-0, -.-- ERA)
Projected Lineups:
Yankees:
1. CF Trent Grisham (L)
2. RF Aaron Judge (C) (R)
3. LF Cody Bellinger (L)
4. 1B Ben Rice (L)
5. DH Giancarlo Stanton (R)
6. 2B Jazz Chisholm Jr. (L)
7. SS José Caballero (R)
8. 3B Ryan McMahon (L)
9. C Austin Wells (L)
SP: LHP Max Fried (19-5, 2.86 ERA in 2025)
Giants:
1. LF Heliot Ramos (R)
2. 1B Rafael Devers (L)
3. 3B Matt Chapman (R)
4. SS Willy Adames (R)
5. 2B Luis Arraez (L)
6. DH Jerar Encarnacion (R)
7. RF Jung Hoo Lee (L)
8. CF Harrison Bader (R)
9. C Patrick Bailey (S)
SP: RHP Logan Webb (15-11, 3.22 ERA in 2025)
