Orlando /
The month of December is advancing and the New York Yankees They’ve been quiet this offseason, where despite making attempts to bolster their roster there hasn’t been a single high-profile move… still, the team has some goals in its sights.
Once the Winter Meetings were over, the Yankees manager, Brian Cashmanmentioned that the offseason seems to move at “glacial speed” and the team he represents is an example of this, not having any big or high-profile movements.
Brian Cashman described the market as moving at “glacial speed.”
“We have a strong team. The job is to make it better and make it stronger. (Saying) it and doing it are two different things. We’re trying to pull that off, and it takes time. There’s a lot of time on the board…
— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) December 10, 2025
“We’re just staying committed, trying to get some things together, but it’s been tough so far,” Cashman said. “I don’t like the requests that are coming our way and I guess the opposing teams don’t like what I’m trying to get out of them as far as changes. We have some conversations that could possibly lead to something but clearly if we had had something, we would have done it.”
The Yankees came to Orlando with Cody Bellinger at the top of their wish list and that hasn’t changed, but they also know they have a lot of competition, as agent Scott Boras creatively detailed, painting the picture of a market where up to eight teams could be bidding for the free agent outfielder.
But unlike previous seasons where they have had a lot of activity in the market, as happened the year before when Dominican Juan Soto left for the services of Cody Bellinger, Max Fried, Paul Goldschmidt and Devin Williams, the Yankees are expressing confidence that they have most of the necessary answers, after a 94-win season that ended in the American League Division Series. The Yankees are well positioned for 2026, says Boone
“We have a strong team. The job is to make it better and stronger,” Cashman said. “But [decirlo] and doing it are two different things. We’re trying to achieve that, and it takes time. There is plenty of time on the calendar, and there is still plenty of inventory available. Many possibilities are at stake.”
Even so, the New York team has a series of wishes to fulfill in special positions that, although they are not urgent, can give them the solidity that would put them in a much better position.
BIGGEST NEEDS OF THE NEW YORK YANKEES FOR 2026
CODY BELLINGER
- The Yankees have been open about their desire to re-sign Bellinger, who was a good fit with his athletic abilities, versatility and a character that manager Aaron Boone has described as “blue collar.” Bellinger would solidify left field while adding a powerful bat capable of putting up big numbers against left-handed pitching. Although Kyle Tucker is arguably the best free agent position player available, the Yankees seem primarily focused on a reunion with Bellinger.
OPENING PITCH
- With Carlos Rodón not expected to return until April or May and Gerrit Cole considered until May or June, the Yankees’ rotation will be shallow to start the season. They have some insurance by bringing back Ryan Yarbrough, but they are looking for more depth and that is why they have been in contact about Tatsuya Imai. Also, published reports have linked the Yankees to free agents Brad Keller and Michael King, and trade discussions for the Nationals’ MacKenzie Gore and the Brewers’ Freddy Peralta.
RIGHT HITTER
- Brian Cashman has said that the Yankees are “definitely” too left-handed, and could look for a solution similar to last year, when they acquired the Dominican Amed Rosario before the Trade Deadline. Rob Refsnyder is another option in free agency that offers versatility and a solid bat. Cashman also said it “would be nice” to acquire a catcher who bats right-handed.
STRENGTH IN THE BULLPEN
- As for the pitchers who will serve as relievers, the Yankees need to strengthen their options for the final innings, where right now they have David Bednar, the Puerto Rican Fernando Cruz, the Dominican Camilo Doval and Tim Hill. Boone added that he sees Brent Headrick taking on a bigger role.
Although they have reached the month of December without making any high-profile moves, the team’s management is confident that they still have enough time to achieve what will make them raise their level of expectations for the 2026 Season.
“I think it’s important to know that this is not the end of winter. We have two months until Spring Training. Whatever happens between now and then, I think we’re going to be really good. That’s the expectation. We’ll see how it all plays out. There’s still room to do some things, which I’m sure we will do.”
