NEW YORK — The Yankees have made one big splash this winter. They re-signed Cody Bellinger for five years and $162.5 million. Beyond that, the moves have been minor. The critics have been loud. And general manager Brian Cashman is tired of hearing it.
Spring training opens in less than two weeks. The Yankees roster looks remarkably similar to the team that lost to the Blue Jays in the 2025 ALDS. Toronto outscored New York 34-19 across four games. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered in each of the first three contests.
Fans expected a response. They wanted major additions. The AL East got stronger around them. The Yankees, it seemed, stood pat. That narrative has been building for months. And Cashman pushed back hard on Wednesday.
Cashman challenges the critics directly
The general manager was asked about running back a largely unchanged roster. His response was blunt. He dared anyone to question whether this group can compete for a championship.
“I’m not afraid to run with the talented roster of players that we do have,” Cashman said during a video call Wednesday. “I think we’ve been consistent with that throughout the entire winter. I’ve been openly willing to challenge anybody that we don’t have a championship-caliber roster and team. It’s our job to try to find ways to make it better along the way.”
Cashman pointed to the trade deadline acquisitions as key additions. Ryan McMahon, Jose Caballero, David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Amed Rosario all came aboard last summer. They are now part of the core group heading into 2026.
“I disagree that it’s the same team, running it back,” Cashman said. “It’s going to be some differences, and the competition is going to be different, too. In some cases, some teams got better. In other cases, some teams, you could argue, maybe got a little worse. Our division is the best in baseball. But long story short, one playoff series, make or break, is not going to define what we think our capabilities are.”
Boone echoes confidence in current group
Manager Aaron Boone has maintained all offseason that the 2025 roster was the best he has managed in eight years with the Yankees. The ALDS loss did not change his view. He believes this group is capable of winning it all.
“Obviously, we got beat up in the division round,” Boone said Wednesday. “It didn’t go our way. But that doesn’t mean it’s not going to go our way the next time. We think we’re really good. It’s a long ways away. Doesn’t mean we’re going to go win 94 games again. It doesn’t mean we’re going to win 88. But we think we have the pieces.”
The Yankees finished 2025 with an MLB-best 119 wRC+ on offense. They scored 849 runs. Aaron Judge won his third MVP award in four seasons. The lineup production was not the problem.
Division rivals loaded up while Yankees retooled
The AL East arms race continued without the Yankees making major splashes. Toronto added Dylan Cease. Boston signed Ranger Suarez, Sonny Gray and Johan Oviedo for the rotation. Baltimore brought in Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, Ryan Helsley and Shane Baz.
New York’s external additions have been modest. They traded for starter Ryan Weathers from Miami. They acquired reliever Angel Chivilli from Colorado on Wednesday. They selected reliever Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 draft.
The Yankees also lost key bullpen pieces. Devin Williams and Luke Weaver both signed with the Mets. Neither has been replaced with a high-leverage arm from outside the organization.
Bellinger believes in the group
The outfielder has embraced the run-it-back approach. Bellinger was the top priority this offseason. Getting him signed was the mission. And he is confident in his teammates.
“Obviously, it might not be what everyone wants to hear, but I really do love the group that we had,” Bellinger said. “We had a special unit. We had great chemistry. I don’t think that can be understood unless you’re inside the clubhouse. We all play for each other. We have some important pieces coming back. We all played well, and I’m excited to run it back with those guys. I’m fully confident in the group.”
Bellinger announced he will skip the World Baseball Classic to focus on spring training. He wants to be ready for the regular season. He feels he owes that to the organization after signing his new deal.
Pitching injuries loom large over Opening Day
The roster challenges extend beyond the bullpen. Gerrit Cole remains out after Tommy John surgery. Carlos Rodon is recovering from elbow surgery. Clarke Schmidt will miss the first half. Anthony Volpe is rehabbing from shoulder surgery.
Of the 26 players on the ALDS roster, 23 are returning. The additions have come from within. Max Fried will have to pitch like an ace. Luis Gil and Cam Schlittler must continue developing. The margin for error is thin.
“It doesn’t matter what we say; it matters what we do,” Cashman said.
The Yankees have not won a World Series since 2009. That drought weighs on everything. But Cashman insists this roster can end it. The critics can keep doubting. He is betting on the talent already in the room.
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