Five pivotal roster questions loom large for Yankees’ 2024 campaign

The Yankees were eliminated from playoff contention on a dreary late September evening in the Bronx. Speaking after the game, star slugger Aaron Judge acknowledged the long road ahead, stressing the need to start the arduous work of rebuilding in the offseason. He called for substantial changes across multiple facets of the organization that had contributed to their shortcomings.

At the time, the Yankees captain opted not to publicly detail any specific plans, noting those conversations would remain private during upcoming meetings with team executives Hal Steinbrenner and Brian Cashman. However, Aaron Judge made clear the failure to reach the postseason was an unacceptable disappointment.

According to him, while much work lies ahead to get the Yankees back on track, the emergence of young talent provided a promising foundation on which to build. He emphasized now was the critical moment to leverage those positives and establish a path forward for future success. As the General Managers’ Meetings scheduled for November 7-9 in Scottsdale and the Winter Meetings December 3-6 in Nashville, there are compelling Yankees storylines about roster questions have emerged.

Which free agents will come back?

Several Yankees players are set to enter free agency this offseason, including infielder/outfielder Isiah Kiner-Falefa, pitchers Zach McAllister, Keynan Middleton, Frankie Montas, Wandy Peralta, Luis Severino, and Luke Weaver. However, none are expected to receive qualifying offers, which teams have five days after the World Series concludes to extend. Players then have 10 days to accept. The projected qualifying offer value for 2023 is around $20.5 million.

While no qualifying offers are anticipated, there is a chance some of these free agents return. The late-season activation of Montas hints the Yankees may look to re-sign him. Kiner-Falefa and Severino seem likely to join new teams in 2024, but Middleton and Peralta could potentially stay in the Bronx.

Who are the Yankees going to sign?

The Yankees also have external free agents on their radar. Team executives recently scouted standout Japanese righty Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who threw a no-hitter in September. Fierce bidding is expected for the 25-year-old dubbed “Japan’s Pedro Martinez.”

Reports also indicate the Yankees are interested in pursuing pitching stars like the Brewers’ Corbin Burnes or Guardians’ Shane Bieber. However, with Carlos Rodón hopefully bouncing back, pitching wasn’t the main 2023 issue. The Yankees desperately need left-handed bats.

While the Yankees likely won’t bid on Shohei Ohtani, they have shown preliminary interest in Juan Soto. SNY reported initial contact between the Padres and Yankees, though talks haven’t reached the GM level yet. Cody Bellinger could also make sense as a left-field option, with his father Clay having played for the Yankees from 1999-2001.

With top outfield prospect Jasson Dominguez unlikely to return until midseason, veteran center fielder Kevin Kiermaier would provide strong defense and divisional experience.

Which players are going to be traded?

Deciphering who the Yankees may be open to trading is tricky, but a few names stand out. Despite fan discourse, dealing Giancarlo Stanton and his hefty contract seems implausible given his full no-trade rights and $98 million owed through 2027. Aaron Judge and Gerrit Cole are untouchables.

Gleyber Torres has surfaced in rumors since 2022 when Miami showed interest at the deadline. With Anthony Volpe and Oswald Peraza viewed as the middle infield future, Torres’ role is unclear. Entering his final arbitration year before free agency, trade chatter around Torres could persist. Realistically though, only a select few Yankees are firmly off the table.

How will the Yankees manage the non-tender list within the 40-men roster?

Several players could be non-tendered. Higashioka, the longest-tenured Yankee drafted in 2008, could be explored in trades with Trevino’s return and Austin Wells‘ promotion, as could Ben Rortvedt. Bowman, both Corderos, German, Trivino, and Weber are also non-tender candidates.

Cortes, Holmes, King, Loáisiga, Schmidt, and Torres seem likely to receive 2024 contracts before the November 17th non-tender deadline.

Don’t forget players ending the season on the 60-day IL – Cortes, Trevino, Trivino, Weber, Scott Effross, Luis Gil, Dominguez, and Anthony Rizzo – must be reinstated to the 40-man within 5 days of the World Series. Significant roster decisions are looming for the Yankees this offseason.

Who are the Yankees prospects to get into the roster?

Prospects eligible for the Rule 5 Draft must be added to the 40-man roster by Nov. 14 to avoid being exposed to other clubs. The Yankees have several players in that category, the most prominent of which is RHP Clayton Beeter, rated as the club’s No. 16 prospect by MLB Pipeline. Beeter is expected to be added, at a minimum.

There are also at least a dozen others, including LHP Edgar Barclay, C Antonio Gomez, OF Brandon Lockridge, IF Jared Serna, and IF Alexander Vargas, who the Yankees need to have.

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