The Yankees were once again one of the better teams in the American League in 2025. They definitely had some flaws, and they were exposed in the postseason by a far superior Toronto team. This team will look nearly identical heading into the 2026 season, but they should get Gerrit Cole back by sometime in May, which is a huge addition to a team that didn’t have him at all last season.
No one would be surprised if the Yankees made the playoffs this season, and they will score a ton of runs during the regular season, but this team still has the same issues it had a year ago. Too many players that play the same position, bad base running, sloppy defense, and a lineup that strikes out too often. Their best chance to win it all with Judge was back in 2024.
Projected 2026 Record: 92-70
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Lineup:
The Yankees are going to score plenty of runs, hit as many homers as anyone, and Aaron Judge could easily win MVP again. Players who will make the biggest impact besides Judge are Ben Rice, Cody Bellinger, and Jazz Chisholm.
Ben Rice could be the most intriguing of that group, considering he will play catcher and first base and has 30 HR power. Bellinger is the most well-rounded of the group and will contribute in all five major categories, while Jazz is a 30/30 player who will hit anywhere in the lineup.
Rotation:
Early on, this rotation will be fine, but it’s really only Max Fried and Cam Schlittler who stand out. Ryan Weathers has good stuff, but he hasn’t proven to be durable, and the same can be said about Luis Gil.
When Carlos Rodon and Gerrit Cole come back, likely by the beginning of May for Rodon, and maybe Cole too, this rotation could be one of the best in all of MLB. They should get plenty of wins and strikeouts.
Bullpen:
The Yankees’ bullpen is very top-heavy. There is not much depth or many reliable arms, but David Bednar really excelled after being traded to New York last season, and he is looking like he could be one of the best closers in all of MLB this season.
If Bednar were to get hurt or struggle early on, Camilo Doval would be the most likely candidate to step in and get save chances for the Yankees.
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