TAMPA, Fla. – There are fewer than two weeks remaining before the Yankees will assemble on the first-base line at Oracle Park in San Francisco, set to begin the 2026 Major League season on Opening Night against the Giants.
Most of the roster calls seem decided at this stage – yes, we can safely report that Aaron Judge has made the team. But manager Aaron Boone knows the final choices are likely to come down to what he called “pound-the-table” debates among the decision-makers.
“Right now, there’s a spot or two to be had,” Boone said. “We’re digging in on it. We talk amongst ourselves when scouts walk in the room or different guys walk in. People have thoughts.”
That much is clear – and here are ours. Let’s take a second crack at projecting the Yankees’ season-opening roster:
Catchers (2): Austin Wells, J.C. Escarra
All indications are that the Yankees plan to enter the season with a lefty-hitting catching tandem. Wells will begin his second full season as the starter, looking to carry momentum from representing the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.
First baseman (2): Paul Goldschmidt, Ben Rice
Rice has focused heavily on defense at first base, an adopted position he is still learning. In fact, Rice hasn’t caught in a game this spring, and Boone said he’s not sure if they’ll do so before they break camp. Goldschmidt figures to get most of his at-bats against left-handed pitching.
Second baseman (1): Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Having returned from a stint with Great Britain in the WBC, Chisholm isn’t shy about setting the bar high entering his final season before potentially reaching free agency. He recently said that he’s aiming to join Shohei Ohtani as the only players to hit 50 home runs with at least 50 stolen bases.
Shortstop (1): José Caballero
The Major Leagues’ stolen-base leader last season, Caballero has returned from representing Panama in the WBC and is preparing to serve as the starting shortstop while Anthony Volpe rehabs from left shoulder surgery. Volpe could return in May, at which time Caballero would fill more of a 10th-man role.
Third baseman (1): Ryan McMahon
The slick-fielding McMahon will begin his first full season in the Bronx after being acquired from the Rockies in July. Though they’ve experimented with him as a backup shortstop this spring, he belongs at third. A Gold Glove finalist for four consecutive years with Colorado (2021-24), McMahon is trying a narrower batting stance to cut down on his strikeouts.
Outfielders (3): Cody Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Aaron Judge
There was a point of the offseason when it looked like left field might come down to a battle between Jasson Domínguez and Spencer Jones. It now appears both will begin the season in the Minors; the outfield was settled by Grisham accepting a qualifying offer and Bellinger re-signing long term – not to mention Judge coming off his third MVP performance in four years.
DH (1): Giancarlo Stanton
After a two-homer performance on Wednesday against the Blue Jays, Boone said it looks like Stanton is “ready to go.” That wasn’t a lock coming in, after he was limited to 77 games due to epicondylitis in both elbows, but Stanton seems to have found a routine that manages the pain while delivering results.
Bench/Utility (2): Randal Grichuk, Amed Rosario
The Yankees have been trying to acquire Grichuk for years, including at the Trade Deadline last year. It took longer than expected, but they envision him as a potent bat against left-handed pitching. Production against lefties and versatility are also Rosario’s calling cards.
Oswaldo Cabrera is being brought along cautiously as he recovers from a severe left ankle injury. Otherwise, Boone has noted good showings from Paul DeJong, Jonathan Ornelas and Max Schuemann, but Grichuk seems to have the inside track on a spot.
Starting pitchers (5): Max Fried, Luis Gil, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers
Fried will start the opener, and there are no surprises in the starting five – for now. Carlos Rodón is expected back from rehab in late April or May, while Gerrit Cole has looked sharper than expected as he targets a May or June return. One thing to monitor: Fried (195 1/3 innings), Schlittler (149 2/3 in Majors/Minors) and Warren (162 1/3) are all coming off career-high workloads.
Relief pitchers (8): David Bednar, Jake Bird, Paul Blackburn, Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval, Brent Headrick, Tim Hill, Ryan Yarbrough
Plugging Carlos Lagrange and his triple-digit heat into the season-opening bullpen would electrify the fan base, but the organization wants him to continue preparing as a starting pitcher. Don’t rule it out for the second half.
In the meantime, there are likely two spots up for grabs. Angel Chivilli and Rule 5 Draft pick Cade Winquest have had rough springs. We’ll give the nods to Bird and Headrick, both of whom Boone has spoken highly of in recent weeks.
The catch with carrying Headrick is, he’d give them a third lefty, with Hill and Yarbrough assured of spots. If they want to go with a righty, Kervin Castro belongs in the mix – and, with other teams also looking to iron out rosters, you can never rule out a trade in the final week of camp.