NEW YORK -- The Yankees returned home from the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas this week, an event that Brian Cashman described as “an information grab.” Past the blackjack tables and slot machines, they discovered what they already knew: there is plenty of work to do.
Rebuilding the bullpen appears to be at the top of Cashman’s list as the club looks to improve upon a roster that won 93 games this past season before bowing out in the American League Division Series. That ‘pen was one of the Bombers’ strengths, where they are facing the possibility of several key departures.
“It’s our main priority, to be honest,” Cashman told MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM.
The Yankees issued a qualifying offer to closer David Bednar, valued at $23.15 million, hoping to keep the 32-year-old installed in the ninth inning. They have expressed interest in retaining left-hander Tim Hill, and would like to extend their relationship with right-hander Paul Blackburn, both of whom are free agents.
“Two of the three pitchers going into our eighth and ninth inning are gone; Blackburn and Bednar right now are free agents, so we’ve got our work to do,” Cashman said. “And because of that, I am casting a wide net. We are asking around, and we need to find some stuff so we can feel good and sleep at night.”
Adrian Morejon was a prominent trade target in July, and could draw interest again in free agency. A potential reunion with Jonathan Loáisiga has also been mentioned. At present, the bullpen is anchored by Brent Headrick, who posted a 2.18 ERA over a Major League-leading 81 appearances.
As they eye the markets, the Yankees appear well-stocked in the starting pitching department, headed by AL Cy Young Award winner Cam Schlittler. Max Fried is expected to be recovered from left elbow surgery by spring, while Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón are assured rotation spots.
Will Warren was dependable, posting a 3.92 ERA over 32 games (29 starts). Cashman said the Yankees view Ryan Weathers as a starting pitcher, as well as No. 2 prospect Elmer Rodríguez and No. 3 prospect Carlos Lagrange -- the latter of whom would have made his Major League debut in the second half if not for a right capsule strain.
The position-player side offers an opportunity to shake up the landscape, coming off a season in which the Yankees weathered criticism for a "run it back" mindset. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner pointed to offensive underperformance as a key reason for the abbreviated postseason.
Third base appears to be a target where they are “open-minded” to seek an upgrade over Ryan McMahon. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand has confirmed that the Yankees expressed interest in free agent third baseman Alec Bohm, who could either supplant McMahon or form part of a platoon.
Yet the most appealing available bat could be Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato, who won the NPB’s Triple Crown this past season by batting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBIs for the Hanshin Tigers.
Second base is another area of uncertainty. Jazz Chisholm Jr. is said to be fielding interest from at least 10 teams, with Anthony Volpe, José Caballero and Luis García Jr. viewed as internal options. The Yankees have checked in on free agents Brandon Lowe and Luis Arraez, and have long held interest in the Marlins’ Xavier Edwards.
Behind the plate, Cashman said the Yankees would like to find a right-handed-hitting catcher to pair with Austin Wells; they were unsuccessful doing so at the Trade Deadline, when they attempted to deal for Ryan Jeffers and Tyler Stephenson.
In center field, rookie Spencer Jones showcased athleticism and big-swinging power potential, prompting Cashman to say, “You could dream on a lot of things with that guy.”
“But it’s November,” Cashman added. “I’m not saying anybody’s our second baseman, our center fielder, our first baseman or DH. I’ve got to collect as much talent because this year’s team was good enough -- but not good enough to finish it off.”
The Yankees moved to retain pitching coach Matt Blake earlier this winter, with assistants Preston Claiborne and Desi Druschel also returning in 2027.
But Brad Ausmus was hired as the Astros’ new manager, creating a vacancy at bench coach. Hitting coach James Rowson departed to accept the role of offensive coordinator with the Giants and catching coach Tanner Swanson was named the Mariners’ new bench coach.
Aaron Gershenfeld has been elevated to replace Swanson, with Aaron Bates and Joe Dillon reportedly among the hitting coach candidates. Former Astros manager Joe Espada is thought to be in the mix for bench coach.
“I’ve got to listen to everything and anything, because you know what? We didn’t win,” Cashman said. “We were good, but not great.”