Thursday, November 06

It must have looked all too familiar to the Yankees as they watched from home. 

Once again, it was the Dodgers turning a visiting stadium into a champagne-soaked playground this past weekend, celebrating another World Series title -- this time on Canadian soil after last year’s clincher in the Bronx. 

The sight served as a reminder of the mission ahead for Brian Cashman, Aaron Boone and the Yankees: to retool, regroup and find a way to knock off baseball’s new powerhouse, the first team to repeat as champions since the 1998-2000 Bombers rolled through the Canyon of Heroes. 

That begins now, with free agency set to begin. The Yankees have nine eligible players, including Cody Bellinger, who is expected to exercise a contractual opt-out. 

Here is a look at each, and how they might fit for the 2026 club:  

Cody Bellinger, OF/1B 

With Bellinger set to decline a $25 million option and test free agency in search of a new multiyear deal, the Yankees are expected to be among his most aggressive suitors. 

Bellinger’s left-handed stroke, athleticism and versatility made him a valuable fit in pinstripes, batting .272/.334/.480 with 25 doubles, five triples, 29 homers and 98 RBIs in 152 games. He appeared defensively at all three outfield positions, plus first base, making the 30-year-old easy to plug into any version of the club’s future. 

“I had an unbelievable time putting on this uniform -- Yankee Stadium, the fans, the organization, the culture that these guys have created in this locker room,” Bellinger said. “It really is special. It was a fun group to be a part of.”  

Paul Blackburn, RHP 

Blackburn joined the Yankees in August, five days after he was designated for assignment by the Mets. Initially viewed as depth, he gained trust with a sharp September, pitching to a 1.50 ERA over his final seven appearances. He turns 32 in December. 

With Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón and Clarke Schmidt sidelined to begin 2026, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Yankees pursue a reunion if the price is right. Combined, Blackburn was 0-3 with a save and a 6.23 ERA in 15 games (four starts) for the New York teams. 

Paul Goldschmidt, 1B 

Goldschmidt added veteran stability and steady defense, batting .274/.328/.403 with 31 doubles, 10 homers and 45 RBIs in 145 games. He was especially potent against left-handed pitching, with a .981 OPS that ranked sixth in the Majors. 

Overall, Goldschmidt’s bat cooled after a hot start and he lost playing time down the stretch to Ben Rice, who appears in line to take over as the starting first baseman this coming year. Goldschmidt turned 38 in September and says he intends to seek a chance to keep playing in 2026.   

“The experience was great,” Goldschmidt said. “Getting an opportunity to play for the Yankees, one of the premier sports organizations in all the world … I can’t say enough positive things about them.” 

Trent Grisham, OF 

Grisham presents an interesting case for the Yankees after piecing together the best year of his career thus far, batting .235/.348/.464 with a career-high 34 homers and 74 RBIs. With the qualifying offer valued at $22.025 million, he could make sense as a candidate to receive one, offering Draft compensation if he departs. 

A 2020 and ‘22 Gold Glove Award winner, Grisham’s defensive metrics slipped in ’25, at least partially because of a nagging hamstring issue. Do the Yankees believe Grisham can repeat his '25 performance? Whether it’s Bellinger, Grisham or another import, New York must bolster an outfield alignment that – at present – would include Aaron Judge, Jasson Domínguez and possibly Spencer Jones, the club’s No. 4 prospect (per MLB Pipeline). 

Amed Rosario, IF/OF 

Acquired from the Nationals on July 27, Rosario filled a reserve role for the Yankees in the second half, providing an energetic dugout presence and a potent bat against left-handed pitching. With New York, Rosario hit .303 (10-for-33) with a homer and five RBIs. 

José Caballero may see increased playing time at shortstop early in the season given Anthony Volpe’s recovery from left shoulder surgery, which could create a lane for a player like Rosario to challenge Oswaldo Cabrera for a utility role.   

Austin Slater, OF 

Picked up from the White Sox on July 30, Slater missed most of August with a left hamstring strain and never gained traction, batting .120 (3-for-25) in his 14 games with the Yankees. The Yanks did not carry Slater on either of their postseason rosters. 

He was imported in part because of a strong track record against left-handed pitching; over his career, Slater has hit .267/.357/.430 against southpaws. 

Luke Weaver, RHP 

Weaver’s $2.5 million option for this past season was one of baseball’s best values, coming off a year in which he took over the closer role and pitched to a 2.89 ERA in 62 appearances. The ’25 campaign was a bumpier ride for Weaver, who rushed back from a left hamstring strain and struggled to regain his consistency. 

Late in the year, Weaver expressed interest in returning to a starting pitching role -- potentially eyeing a deal like Clay Holmes landed with the Mets -- as well as frustration with mechanical changes implemented to guard against pitch-tipping. He finished with a 4-4 record, eight saves and a 3.62 ERA in 64 appearances. 

Devin Williams, RHP  

Williams had a turbulent year in pinstripes, one in which he was removed from the closer role early, then rebounded to pitch important innings down the stretch. The 31-year-old exited the clubhouse after the Yankees’ final game saying he would “definitely be open” to a reunion.

A two-time National League Reliever of the Year celebrated for his ‘Airbender’ changeup, Williams made 67 appearances during the regular season, pitching to a 4.79 ERA while converting 18 of 22 save chances.

“At first it was a challenge, but I’ve grown to love being here,” Williams said. “I love this city. I love taking the [subway] train to the field every day. I really enjoyed my experience here. … There’s a lot to like about this city, but it took me some time to adjust.” 

Ryan Yarbrough, LHP 

Yarbrough was a valuable swingman this past year, pitching to a 3-1 record with one save and a 4.36 ERA in 19 games (eight starts). Over his eight starts, Yarbrough was 3-1 with a 3.83 ERA, allowing two runs or fewer in seven of those appearances. 

As previously mentioned, the Yankees’ rotation depth will be impacted to begin the year; a pitcher with versatility to move between the rotation and bullpen -- as Yarbrough has already proven -- would be a valuable asset.   

“He's pretty dominant. It's pretty fun to watch. ... I hate going against him, though.” 

Former SEC aces Bryce Cunningham (the Yankees’ No. 5 prospect) and Hagen Smith (the White Sox No. 5 prospect) went head-to-head in the Fall League -- something they never did in college. 

MLB Pipeline’s Jesse Borek was in Arizona to see it all happen. 

Who is the most recent Yankees player to bat in a World Series-clinching game for New York?  

A. Brett Gardner

B. Jerry Hairston, Jr.

C. Derek Jeter

D. Nick Swisher

Nov. 3, 1992: It was a trade that helped launch the Yankees’ next dynasty. On this day, the Bombers acquired outfielder Paul O’Neill from the Reds in exchange for outfielder Roberto Kelly. Over the next nine seasons, O'Neill would tally 858 RBIs, bat .303 and earn four World Series rings. 

B. Hairston, Jr.

This is a deep cut! Hairston made the final out in the bottom of the eighth inning during Game 6 of the 2009 World Series against the Phillies. Mariano Rivera came on to record the final three outs in a non-save situation, closing out New York’s 7-3 victory and championship No. 27. 

To subscribe to Yankees Beat, visit this page and mark "Yankees Beat" from our newsletter list. Make sure you're following the Yankees or that they're checked as your favorite team.

View Online

© 2025 MLB Advanced Media, L.P. MLB trademarks and copyrights are used with permission of Major League Baseball. Visit MLB.com. Any other marks used herein are trademarks of their respective owners.

Please review our Privacy Policy.

You (mlb-newsletters@mlb.com) received this message because you registered to receive commercial email messages or purchased a ticket from MLB. 

Please add info@marketing.mlbemail.com to your address book to ensure our messages reach your inbox. If you no longer wish to receive commercial email messages from MLB.com, please unsubscribe or log in and manage your email subscriptions.

Postal Address: MLB.com, c/o MLB Advanced Media, L.P., 1271 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10020.