TAMPA, Fla. — Spring training games are underway in Florida, and the Yankees roster looks largely set for 2026. The club brought back Cody Bellinger on a five-year, $162.5 million deal, acquired pitcher Ryan Weathers from the Marlins and is waiting on Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon to return from their respective surgeries.
But one area of the roster remains unsettled. And if the front office has its way, it may not stay that way for long.
The Yankees have a glaring imbalance in their everyday lineup. Six of their projected starters swing from the left side. Only three hit right-handed: Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and shortstop Jose Caballero. That kind of tilt can become a problem against left-handed pitching, especially in a division where every team carries quality southpaws.
Brian Cashman has a history of late spring moves
Yankees general manager Brian Cashman is no stranger to making roster additions deep into camp. Last year, he signed Jon Berti right before Opening Day and inked Ryan Yarbrough to a one-year contract on March 24. Those were not blockbuster moves, but they filled specific roles on the roster.
This year could follow a similar pattern. The Yankees are watching the free agent and minor league deal markets closely, looking for the right fit to balance out a bench that skews heavily to the left side.
The left-handed regulars in the projected Yankees lineup include center fielder Trent Grisham, left fielder Bellinger, first baseman Ben Rice, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., third baseman Ryan McMahon and catcher Austin Wells. That is a lot of left-handed lumber for opposing managers to attack with their bullpen matchups late in games.
Yankees reportedly eyeing right-handed outfielder or catcher
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported Monday that the Yankees are still open to adding a right-handed-hitting outfielder or catcher before the regular season begins. The report confirms what many around the organization have suspected for weeks: the front office is not done tinkering.
Sherman mentioned several names that have been on the Yankees’ radar. Free agent Randal Grichuk remains unsigned and could be a viable platoon option. Grichuk has posted an .819 OPS and 118 wRC+ against left-handed pitching over the course of his career. That kind of production off the bench would give manager Aaron Boone a weapon he currently lacks.
Two other names have surfaced as well. Austin Slater, a right-handed-hitting outfielder who was with the Yankees last season, signed a minor league deal with the Tigers this winter. Chas McCormick, a versatile outfielder who spent the past four seasons in Houston, is in camp with the Cubs on a minor league contract.
Both Slater and McCormick could become available if they fail to make their respective rosters or choose to opt out. That kind of shakeout happens every spring, and Cashman is known for pouncing on those opportunities.
Grichuk’s bat comes with a defensive question mark
While Grichuk’s numbers against lefties are appealing, his defensive limitations could be an issue. The Yankees prize versatility on their bench, and a player who is limited to designated hitter duties or corner outfield spots without much range would reduce Boone’s flexibility.
The Yankees already have Stanton serving as the primary designated hitter, which limits the DH at-bats available for a bench player. Any addition would likely need to contribute defensively in the outfield or behind the plate.
That is why the catching spot is also worth watching. J.C. Escarra is currently slotted as the backup catcher, but the Yankees could look to upgrade there with a right-handed bat. Catchers get hurt at a higher rate than players at any other position, and having a reliable backup who can also provide some pop from the right side would strengthen the depth chart.
Cabrera’s uncertain status adds urgency to the bench question
Adding to the uncertainty is the status of Oswaldo Cabrera. Boone recently put a “TBD” next to Cabrera’s name when discussing the Opening Day roster. Cabrera is a switch-hitter who can play multiple positions, and if his roster spot is not guaranteed, that creates even more pressure to find the right complement for the bench.
The Yankees also have Caballero, who led the American League in stolen bases in each of the last two seasons and has shown he can handle time in the outfield. His speed and defensive range give Boone options, but he does not solve the need for right-handed power off the bench.
The Yankees are also monitoring the trade market
Beyond free agents and minor league deals, the Yankees have been linked to potential trades this spring. Bleacher Report’s Zachary D. Rymer connected them to a possible deal for Nationals shortstop CJ Abrams, though the cost of acquiring a player of that caliber would be steep. Washington is unlikely to sell low on the former first-round pick.
For now, the more realistic path to a roster upgrade is in the platoon bat market. The Yankees do not need a star. They need a right-handed hitter who can come off the bench against tough lefties, play passable defense and give Boone another option in late-game situations.
With Opening Day still a few weeks away, there is time. Cashman has shown he will be patient and wait for the right deal to present itself. And in a spring where roster cuts will shake free available players across baseball, the Yankees are positioned to act quickly when the right name becomes available.
For a team built to contend in the toughest division in baseball, every roster spot matters. And the Yankees clearly believe there is still one more piece to add before the games start counting.
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