We’re getting very close to MLB spring training, with the first pitchers and catchers workout scheduled for February 12, and the first full-squad workout on February 16.
That means teams-including theNew York Yankees-are running out of time to make major moves, something that could be a cause for concern within the organization.
Did the Yankees fall short?
The Yankees offseason accomplished its main priority: signing Cody Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million contract. But let’s be honest-this move alone is not enough to position the team as a serious World Series contender.
Among their other transactions, outfielder Trent Grisham accepted the $22.025 million qualifying offer, and the team also signed Ryan Yarbrough, Amed Rosario, and Paul Blackburn. They added Ryan Weathers and Ángel Chivilli, and selected Cade Winquest in the Rule 5 Draft.
It was an underwhelming offseason overall, leadingJim Bowden of The Athletic to give them a grade of “C”-in other words, quite poor.
“The Yankees made re-signing Cody Bellinger their No. 1 priority this offseason. Although it took them until mid-January to get a deal done, at least they got it over the finish line, which in turn allows them to basically run back the team that went 94-68 last season, tying the Toronto Blue Jays for the most wins in the American League,” Bowden wrote.
One of the biggest unknowns is how the team will perform early on, given the injuries that will keep starters Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón sidelined for the start of the 2026 MLB season. Right now, the roster doesn’t look dramatically different from the one that recently came up short.
Finally, Bowden predicts the Yankees will finish second in the American League East. Personally, though, I’m hoping the Boston Red Sox jump into the race and make life difficult for their biggest rival.
What if the Yankees miss the postseason? It’s definitely a possibility.
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