TAMPA, Fla. —The Grapefruit League schedule is winding down, and the Yankees have seen enough from their 2026 spring roster to start drawing early conclusions. From rotation candidates staking real claims to outfield bats forcing difficult decisions, the preseason has delivered standout performances across the diamond.

Here is a look at the Yankees’ top statistical performers across the pitching staff, lineup and defense through March 18.

Starting rotation standouts

Will Warren has pitched himself squarely into the rotation conversation. The right-hander leads all Yankees starters with 20.1 innings pitched, posting a 1.77 ERA while holding opponents to a .167 batting average. Warren has recorded 16 strikeouts against just three walks and earned the staff’s only quality start this spring.

Cam Schlittler has arguably been the most dominant starter on a per-outing basis. In two starts covering six innings, the 23-year-old has allowed just one earned run on four hits, posting a 0.83 WHIP and striking out 10 while walking only one. His 15.0 K/9 rate leads all qualified Yankees starters.

Max Fried, the team’s Opening Day starter, has punched out 10 batters with zero walks in 9.1 innings, producing the lowest WHIP among any starter at 0.75. Luis Gil leads the club with two wins and 17 strikeouts in 14.1 innings, though his six home runs allowed remain a concern.

Yankees prospect Carlos Lagrange has also impressed on the mound, posting a 0.93 ERA with a 0.72 WHIP across 9.2 innings, while Elmer Rodriguez turned in a 3.00 ERA with a 1.00 WHIP in two starts.

Bullpen performers to watch

Kervin Castro has emerged as the most reliable late-inning option in the Yankees bullpen. The right-hander leads the club with two saves and two holds across seven appearances, posting a 0.96 ERA in 9.1 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .161 batting average and a 0.75 WHIP.

Tim Hill has been virtually unhittable. The left-hander has not allowed an earned run in 5.1 innings across five appearances, striking out seven without issuing a walk. His 0.56 WHIP is the best among any Yankees reliever with multiple outings.

David Bednar has posted a 0.00 ERA in three appearances without allowing a hit, owning a 0.33 WHIP. Danny Watson has been electric in short bursts, striking out five in 2.1 scoreless innings.

Jake Bird has been one of the busiest arms in the Yankees bullpen with eight appearances, logging 13 strikeouts and two holds across 8.1 innings. Brent Headrick rounds out the standout relievers with an impressive 17.5 K/9 rate and 11 strikeouts in 5.2 innings.

Reliever Fernando Cruz is at 2026 Yankees spring training camp in Tampa, Fl. — Yankees Beisbol

Outfield performers making their case

Spencer Jones has been the breakout story of Yankees camp. The 6-foot-7 outfielder is slashing .333/.429/.917 with a team-leading four home runs and eight RBI in 11 games. His 1.345 OPS is the highest among any Yankees position player with more than 20 at-bats, and he has added three stolen bases to the mix.

Jasson Dominguez continues to build his case for an everyday role. The 23-year-old leads the Yankees in both hits (13) and RBI (10) while batting .342 with a 1.013 OPS, adding three home runs and three stolen bases across 13 games.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge has hit .273 with two home runs and a .467 OBP in limited action, while Giancarlo Stanton has launched three home runs in 20 at-bats for a .700 slugging percentage. Cody Bellinger is batting .286 across 11 games with two stolen bases.

Infield standouts across the diamond

Paul Goldschmidt has been the best hitter in Yankees camp. The veteran first baseman is batting .500 with a 1.533 OPS through five games, blasting two home runs and driving in seven runs. While the sample remains small, Goldschmidt looks fully locked in as a bench weapon heading into the regular season.

Max Schuemann has quietly become one of camp’s most complete performers, hitting .346/.514/.462 with nine walks against five strikeouts. His .976 OPS and 1.000 fielding percentage on 19 chances have given the Yankees coaching staff plenty to think about.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. has posted a solid .821 OPS in eight games at second base with a perfect fielding percentage. Jonathan Ornelas has batted .280 with a .773 OPS in 13 games at shortstop, giving the Yankees quality depth up the middle. George Lombard Jr. has reinforced his defensive reputation with 21 assists and a .960 fielding percentage.

Behind the plate

J.C. Escarra has been the offensive standout among Yankees catchers. The 26-year-old is batting .276 with three home runs and a .955 OPS across 10 games while recording a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage on 54 total chances behind the plate.

Austin Wells has appeared in six games and is hitting .214 with a .853 OPS, including a home run, while posting a flawless 1.000 fielding percentage. Payton Henry has carried the heaviest catching workload with 14 games and 70 total chances, posting a .986 fielding percentage.

Top gloves in camp

Jose Caballero has been outstanding at shortstop with 16 assists and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage on 23 chances. Seth Brown has been steady in left field with 43 total chances and a 1.000 fielding percentage, including five assists. Yankees first baseman Ben Rice has logged 52 chances without an error, while Jorbit Vivas has been equally clean at second base with 17 total chances and a 1.000 mark.

The Yankees still have roster decisions to finalize before Opening Day, but the body of work from spring training has given the coaching staff both clarity and competition at nearly every position group.

✅ Positives

Good Health
- No major injuries so far in camp
- Only minor soreness for Cam Schlittler and Cody Bellinger
- Big improvement after injury-heavy previous seasons
- Giancarlo Stanton managing workload well and showing strong power early
Top of Rotation Strength
- Reliable trio: Max Fried, Will Warren, Cam Schlittler
- Carlos Rodón progressing well, expected back by early May
- Gerrit Cole ahead of schedule, potential May return
- Warren dominant this spring (1.77 ERA, strong control)
- Schlittler and Fried showing ace-level form
Improved Bench Depth
- Strong platoon options:
  - Goldschmidt / Ben Rice (1B)
  - Amed Rosario / McMahon (3B)
  - Grichuk / Domínguez (OF battle)
- Max Schuemann showing offensive improvement
- Backup catcher J.C. Escarra hitting well and solid defensively
Promising Future Talent
- Carlos Lagrange flashing elite stuff (0.93 ERA, 102 mph fastball)
- Elmer Rodriguez and Ben Hess showing upside
- Spencer Jones hitting .333 with power (Triple-A start likely)
- George Lombard Jr. emerging as elite defensive shortstop

❌ Negatives

Bottom of Rotation Concerns
- Ryan Weathers inconsistent (8.68 ERA this spring)
- Luis Gil struggling with command and consistency
- Gil likely drops from No. 2 to No. 4/5 starter
- Both Gil and Weathers could shift to bullpen roles
Struggles from Key Regulars
- Trent Grisham hitting just .156, raising concerns about regression
- Ryan McMahon hitting .111, struggling post-Coors Field adjustment
- McMahon’s swing changes not producing results