Cody Bellinger and the New York Yankees spent much of the offseason figuring out their paths, only to reconnect earlier this week. Due to recent developments in the league, both the Yankees and Bellinger find themselves with limited options—New York has fewer alternatives to bolster their batting lineup, while Bellinger has fewer teams interested. Nonetheless, this situation has helped speed up progress as spring training nears.
Bellinger secured a rapid five-year deal worth $162.5 million, with $85 million guaranteed over the first two years before he can opt out, and $77.5 million spread over the remaining three years. This signing is New York’s most significant move in an otherwise subdued offseason. Aside from trading four prospects for left-hander Ryan Weathers, bringing back Trent Grisham via a qualifying offer, selecting Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 draft for the first time in over ten years, re-signing key role players like Amed Rosario, the Yankees’ offseason has seen little else.
As spring training is just weeks away, the Yankees will take the field resembling the team that won 94 games last year and led the AL in run differential but fell short against the Toronto Blue Jays in the ALDS. Sticking with much of the same roster, along with Weathers, isn’t a bad strategy but makes for a quiet and somewhat uninspiring offseason.
Re-signing Bellinger will likely be remembered as the Yankees’ biggest move this offseason, but it won’t be the last. Some upgrades and decisions remain, and with Bellinger back on the roster, here are three important priorities for general manager Brian Cashman and the front office to address soon.
- Decide the future for Jason Dominguez
Bellinger’s return leaves former top prospect Jason Dominguez without a clear role. The Yankees plan to have Bellinger in left field, Trent Grisham in center, and Aaron Judge in right. Giancarlo Stanton is locked as the designated hitter, while Ben Rice, who had a breakout year with 26 homers and a 131 OPS+, holds down first base. This currently makes the lineup fairly complete.
The Yankees have options for Dominguez, with trading being the most straightforward. Since Dominguez is nearly 23 and highly talented, it makes little sense to keep him as a seldom-used bench player. The front office should explore interest from other teams and consider a trade that benefits him, allowing him regular playing time.
Alternatively, keeping Dominguez could also be smart. Stanton appeared in just 77 games last season and has dealt with injuries frequently, placing him on the injured list five times over four years due to elbow issues requiring ongoing care. Dominguez could serve as a reliable backup if Stanton misses time.
Last year, the Yankees rotated Bellinger, Dominguez, and Grisham between left and center fields, a strategy that can resume this season. While this may not ideal for Dominguez’s development, it beats trading him just to make a move. Having an abundance of everyday players to choose from is a luxury.
The best approach might be to listen to trade offers for Dominguez without feeling pressured to act if none are compelling. Moreover, prospect Spencer Jones is nearing readiness at Triple-A, so the Yankees can afford to be patient. The batting order will always have some openings to fill.
- Strengthen the bullpen with one or two relievers
The Yankees’ bullpen ranked 23rd in ERA, 21st in WAR, and 20th in winning percentage last year. It was inconsistent, especially after losing three of their top four relievers—Mark Leiter Jr., Luke Weaver, and Devin Williams—to free agency. So far, offseason acquisitions include Cade Winquest and re-signing swingmen Paul Blackburn and Ryan Yarbrough.
Currently, the bullpen looks thin for manager Aaron Boone. After an injury in spring training, Yarbrough moved into the rotation. Trading key relievers Bednar and Doval last summer allowed the Yankees to avoid competing for bullpen talent in free agency, but clearly, they need at least one more reliable high-leverage arm to lessen reliance on Aroldis Chapman and Clay Holmes in late-game situations.
Some of the best available free agent relievers include righty David Robertson, who has history with New York, and lefty Justin Wilson. However, the Yankees may end up targeting bullpen help through trades, possibly eyeing right-hander Griffin Jacks from Tampa Bay or left-hander Jojo Romero from the Cardinals.
Bullpen performance can fluctuate dramatically year to year, so repeating last season’s group won’t guarantee similar results. While Fangraphs projects New York’s bullpen as around 12th best next season, improvement is still attainable. This area presents a realistic chance to upgrade before Opening Day.
- Add one or two right-handed hitters
Last season, Yankees batters faced the third-most left-handed pitching in the majors, which is no surprise given Yankee Stadium’s short right-field porch favoring left-handed hitters. The lineup reflects this, and the same configuration is expected in 2026, meaning the Yankees will again rank high in left-handed bats.
However, this heavy reliance on lefties may have gone too far. According to ZiPS projections through 2026, the team’s top five right-handed hitters are: Aaron Judge (181 OPS+), Giancarlo Stanton (106 OPS+), Anthony Volpe (87 OPS+), Amed Rosario (84 OPS+), and Jose Caballero (82 OPS+). Most of these are either the game’s best hitter, an unreliable option due to injuries, or utility players. Additionally, Volpe is expected to start the season rehabbing from shoulder surgery.
The Yankees could improve by adding right-handed hitters at two key positions: backup catcher and outfield. Austin Wells, the starting catcher, and JC Escala, the backup, are both lefties. While Escala is valued for his framing and clubhouse presence, pairing Wells with a right-handed backup would help balance the roster.
Acquiring a right-handed outfielder would likely require removing switch-hitters Dominguez and utility player Oswaldo Cabrera, both of whom have struggled against left-handed pitching. Bringing in a right-handed fourth outfielder like Austin Hayes, who hit well against lefties in 2023, could allow Bellinger to shift between center field and first base and provide flexibility with Grisham or Rice as needed.
In summary, the Yankees don’t need a major overhaul but rather strategic tweaks to their roster. The bigger challenge might be financial, as team owner Hal Steinbrenner tends to limit spending increases. The Yankees’ payroll has hovered near $300 million, and accommodating new contracts may require either Steinbrenner signing off on a raise or making trades to free up salary space. Trading high-earning players like Bednar, Doval, or Jazz Chisholm Jr. would create holes elsewhere, so options remain limited.
Despite the quiet offseason, the Yankees are well-positioned heading into the new season. They plan to fortify the bullpen, add right-handed hitters to balance the lineup, determine Dominguez’s role, and prepare for spring training. As manager Aaron Boone noted at the winter meetings, while the team always seeks improvement, they recognize their strong core of young talent and look forward to their continued development.
Fan Take: This offseason moves highlight the Yankees’ strategic balancing act between staying competitive and managing payroll constraints, something many teams face as the sport evolves. How they handle Dominguez’s future and bullpen upgrades could significantly shape their playoff chances and signal whether New York can sustain its status as a baseball powerhouse.
