Will Belli be back? Yanks face that question, more as they look to '26

NEW YORK – The home clubhouse doors at Yankee Stadium remained shuttered longer than anticipated late Wednesday, the 2025 Yankees speaking in hushed tones as they shared the room for the final time as a full group.

Some of the faces will be back. Others won’t. It’s the nature of the business.

“I feel like we’ve built a pretty good family in here,” Jazz Chisholm Jr. said. “I feel like a lot of guys would want to come back, and keep on trying to push for that World Series. But a lot of guys also have to get paid as well.”

The Yankees’ offseason officially begins with more questions than answers, their bid to repeat as pennant winners halted by a 5-2 loss to the Blue Jays in Game 4 of the American League Division Series.

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Cody Bellinger headlines their list of potential free agents. The Scott Boras client is widely expected to opt out of the final year of his contract, which would have paid him $25 million in 2026.

“Obviously, things to discuss with family and the agent and the business side of it all,” Bellinger said. “But tonight, I'm just going to soak it all in and just be a part of the group one more time.”

Bellinger earned $27.5 million this year after being acquired from the Cubs. He delivered as the multidimensional player the Yankees envisioned, slashing .272/.334/.480 with 25 doubles, five triples, 29 homers and 98 RBIs across 152 games while playing all three outfield spots and first base.

The 30-year-old has said his priority is to play for a contender, a stance that could keep the Yankees in the mix.

“I had an unbelievable time putting on this uniform,” Bellinger said. “Yankee Stadium, the fans, the organization, the culture that these guys have created in this locker room. It really is special. It's such a fun group; it was a fun group to be a part of. We came up short and that part stinks for sure, because we had a really, really good group here.”

Trent Grisham transformed from a projected fourth outfielder into an everyday contributor. He credited his breakout to improved mental discipline, producing career highs in nearly every category (.235/.348/.464, 34 homers, 74 RBIs, 82 walks, .812 OPS).

Grisham turns 29 on Nov. 1. His defense and left-handed power project to make him an appealing target for multiple clubs.

“With Grish and Bellinger, two guys that had incredible years,” said Aaron Judge. “It was fun to watch them, fun to learn from them, and hopefully we can run them back. We’ll see what happens.”

Paul Goldschmidt is another name to watch. Signed to a one-year, $12.5 million deal, the veteran first baseman brought professionalism to the lineup, slashing .274/.328/.403 overall while excelling against lefties (.336/.411/.570).

The 38-year-old’s playing time dipped in the second half as rookie Ben Rice earned more starts, but Goldschmidt accepted the reduced role without complaint, saying that he plans to continue playing in 2026.

“Outside of us losing, the experience was great,” Goldschmidt said. “Getting an opportunity to play for the Yankees, one of the premier sports organizations in all the world and getting to play with the guys in this locker room – I can’t say enough positive things.”

On the pitching side, Devin Williams’ tenure in pinstripes was eventful. The right-hander arrived from Milwaukee and almost immediately helped convince team officials to end their long-standing facial hair policy.

But the 31-year-old’s results were uneven: 4-6 with a 4.79 ERA and 18 saves. Bumped out of the closer’s role by the midseason acquisition of right-hander David Bednar, Williams’ performance improved late in the year. He said he’d “definitely” be open to a reunion.

“At first it was a challenge. But I've grown to love being here,” Williams said. “I love the city. I love taking the train to the field every day. Yeah, I really enjoyed my experience.”

Other potential departures include right-hander Luke Weaver, right-hander Jonathan Loáisiga (whose club option is likely to be declined after another injury-marred campaign) and left-hander Ryan Yarbrough.

Right-hander Paul Blackburn and utility man Amed Rosario could also explore free agency, leaving general manager Brian Cashman with multiple roster holes to fill.

“We’ve got a lot of winning players in here, a lot of guys that played the game the right way and helped make this team who it is,” Judge said.