Aaron Boone piloted the Yankees to 100 or more victories in each of his first two seasons as a big league manager, then again navigated the club into the postseason during the unprecedented 2020 campaign. He sees a roster that has been banging on the door and is finally ready to break through.

"We certainly feel like we've been one of the best teams and rightfully have championship expectations, which we will again have this year," Boone said. "Baseball in the playoffs, the difference between moving on and going home is sometimes razor-thin. Hopefully this year we can do it. I know we have a confident group that will hopefully put us in that position."

General manager Brian Cashman has retooled the squad in hopes of getting over that hump, bringing a new-look rotation and tinkering with the bullpen while ensuring that infielder DJ LeMahieu -- the club's most valuable player over the past two years -- will remain in the middle of the infield.

"We're back at it, trying to reconfigure and game plan appropriately," Cashman said. "We want to come up with a roster that's maybe a little bit stronger, maybe a little bit more resilient."

Here's a look at the moves we might see before Opening Day and a rundown of what is already done:

Biggest needs

Left-handed bat
A reunion with outfielder Brett Gardner seems to be the most likely avenue to address a lineup that skews heavily toward the right side; switch-hitter Aaron Hicks could be the only player in the Opening Day lineup who hits from the left side of the plate. Cashman said that the club pursued several lefties this offseason (outfielder Joc Pederson, who signed with the Cubs, is believed to have been one).

Bullpen help
The Yankees expected their bullpen to be a force in 2020, but it sat around the middle of the pack, something they hope to improve upon in 2021. Sidearming reliever Darren O'Day has historically been tough on right-handers; Cashman believes O'Day will represent an upgrade over Adam Ottavino, who was dealt to the Red Sox in January.

Zack Britton and Chad Green are expected to set up for closer Aroldis Chapman. It would not be a surprise to see the Yankees pursue another reliever on similar terms to the one-year, $2.5 million deal that O'Day received. O'Day's signing is not yet official.

MOVES MADE

Jan. 27: Re-signed INF DJ LeMahieu

LeMahieu and the Yankees agreed to a six-year, $90 million deal on Jan. 15, formally announcing the pact 12 days later. The reigning American League batting champion, LeMahieu's contract will pay him $15 million annually through the 2026 season, when he will be 38.

Jan. 27: Signed RHP Corey Kluber on a one-year deal

The club scouted Kluber's free agency showcase in Florida, convincing them to gamble on a one-year, $11 million deal. The two-time Cy Young Award winner has a longstanding relationship with Eric Cressey, the Yankees' director of player health and performance.

Jan. 25: RHP Adam Ottavino traded to Boston

In a rare deal between American League East rivals, the Yankees traded Ottavino and right-hander Frank German to the Red Sox for a player to be named or cash considerations. From the Yankees' perspective, the move cleared approximately $8 million to help Cashman remain under the $210 million luxury tax threshold.

Jan. 22: Acquired RHP Jameson Taillon from Pittsburgh

Taillon missed all of the 2020 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but the Yankees believe he profiles as a No. 2 starter when healthy. New York parted with right-handers Miguel Yajure and Roansy Contreras, infielder Maikol Escotto and outfielder Canaan Smith in exchange for the 29-year-old Taillon.

Jan. 10: Minors acquisitions

The Yankees signed right-hander Jhoulys Chacín, left-hander Tyler Lyons and outfielder Socrates Brito to Minor League contracts.

Jan. 7: Acquired OF Greg Allen from the Padres

Acquired in exchange for left-hander James Reeves, the switch-hitting Allen projects to offer outfield depth. He is a slick fielder and has batted .239 in 221 career games with the Indians and Padres.

Dec. 2: RHP Jonathan Holder non-tendered

Holder was non-tendered and elected free agency. The reliever signed with the Cubs on Dec. 17.

Oct. 30: Exercised 2022 option on LHP Zack Britton

By picking up Britton's $14 million option for 2022, the lefty's $13 million salary for 2021 remains intact. Had the Yankees declined the option, Britton could have elected free agency.