The names are largely the same, but general manager Brian Cashman doesn’t believe the result has to be.
While pitcher Ryan Weathers stands as the Yankees’ only major external addition this offseason, Cashman disagrees with the notion that the Bronx Bombers are simply “running it back” with the team that lost to the Blue Jays in the American League Division Series.
“It’s not the same roster,” Cashman said last week. “I disagree it’s the same team running it back. … Not afraid to run with the quality and talented roster of players that we do have. I think we’ve been consistent with that throughout the entire winter. I’ve been openly willing to challenge anybody that [says] we don’t have a championship-caliber roster and team.”
Several factors could prove Cashman right and push the Yankees to a better outcome in 2026. Here are three keys to the Yankees’ improvement this season.
1. Better health from established stars
If things are going to be different for the Yankees in 2026, Gerrit Cole could be the biggest reason why. After missing all of last season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, the 2023 AL Cy Young Award winner is due back in late May or early June.
Luis Gil’s return to full strength could give the rotation another boost. Gil won the AL Rookie of the Year Award with a 3.50 ERA and 171 K’s over 151 2/3 innings in 2024, but a right lat strain limited him to 11 starts last year, and he didn’t look like the same pitcher after coming off the IL.
The Yankees’ lineup also dealt with a notable absence last season, as Giancarlo Stanton missed nearly half the year while rehabbing injuries to both elbows. Health is always a concern when it comes to Stanton, but even a modest increase in games played could make a big difference. He played just 77 games in 2025, producing 24 homers, 66 RBIs and a .944 OPS.
The Yankees did have Aaron Judge for almost the entire season, but the 10 games he missed while nursing a right elbow injury may very well have cost them the AL East title. New York went 4-6 while Judge was sidelined, ultimately losing a tiebreaker to the Blue Jays for first place and the AL’s top seed.
2. Trade Deadline acquisitions paying off
The Yankees will be counting on Bednar to bring stability to the closer role, something that was lacking for much of 2025 as Devin Williams and Luke Weaver battled inconsistency. Doval — a former closer himself — has moved up the bullpen hierarchy after Williams and Weaver both departed as free agents to sign with the Mets.
McMahon represents New York’s latest attempt to solidify the hot corner, which has been unsettled for several years, while Caballero is expected to start at shortstop until Anthony Volpe returns from left shoulder surgery. Even after Volpe comes off the IL, Caballero should remain an important cog as a utility man and one of the club’s top stolen-base threats.
3. Getting more out of homegrown players
It might sound familiar, but Volpe’s development remains crucial to the Yankees’ outlook. While the 26-year-old has yet to produce consistent results over three seasons as New York’s shortstop, the club has refrained from making a change.
Volpe is one of several homegrown players the Yankees will be hoping to get more out of in 2026. The spotlight is also on starter Cam Schlittler and first baseman Ben Rice, both of whom have become increasingly important after promising 2025 seasons.
