The New York Yankees entered the offseason with expectations of aggressive roster building, but the reality has been far quieter.
Outside of re-signing Cody Bellinger, the organization stood pat, prompting renewed debate about whether the current construction is truly capable of delivering a championship.
While general manager Brian Cashman has publicly defended the roster, criticism and doubts continue to grow among analysts and fans alike.
“I’ve been openly willing to challenge anybody that we don’t have a championship-calibre roster or team. It’s our job to find ways to make it better along the way,” Cashman said, projecting confidence in the group heading into the season.
That optimism, however, is not universally shared. Jim Riley of BALLCAP Sports offered a far more cautious assessment of where the Yankees currently stand.
“I think most Yankee fans are frustrated and disappointed with how this offseason has gone. The fact that the New York Yankees are basically going to run back their team from last year, with one key component that will be added, and that is Gerrit Cole.
“I’m not overlooking that, but Gerrit Cole, coming off his surgery, his rehab, I mean, how much to a 100% do you expect Gerrit Cole‘s performance to be?”
Riley emphasized that relying so heavily on a pitcher returning from a major procedure carries significant risk.
“And if you are counting on that, I mean, that is putting a lot on Gerrit Cole‘s shoulders. Now, don’t get me wrong. I mean, the Yankees don’t stink.
“But there is a difference between a championship-calibre roster and a playoff contender. And that is truthfully where I think the Yankees currently sit.”
Injury concerns and thin margins
The criticism is rooted in more than just inactivity. The New York Yankees failed to add outside free agents, aside from re-signing Bellinger to a five-year, $162.5 million deal.
They also lost out on Freddy Peralta, who ultimately signed with the New York Mets, further highlighting missed opportunities to bolster the pitching staff.
The situation is complicated by Gerrit Cole‘s health. In September 2024, Cole looked dominant, striking out seven batters over 9.0 innings while allowing just one run against the Oakland Athletics.
But discomfort in his pitching elbow during Spring Training led to Tommy John surgery, sidelining him for the entire season.
Although Cole is expected back this year, history suggests that regaining peak form takes time.
The rotation depth was partially addressed through a trade for Ryan Weathers from the Miami Marlins. The cost, however, was steep.
Roster issues cast doubt over Yankees
The Yankees surrendered Juan Matheus, Dylan Jasso, Dillon Lewis, and Brendan Jones. Given Weathers‘ injury history, the move carries risk if availability becomes an issue once the season begins.
Last year, the New York Yankees finished 94-68 and topped the AL East, flashing championship potential during the regular season.
A March highlight saw Paul Goldschmidt, Cody Bellinger, and Aaron Judge open a game with three consecutive home runs off Nestor Cortes of the Milwaukee Brewers.
Later, Jose Caballero delivered a walk-off hit against the Chicago White Sox, sending the Yankees to the postseason for the 60th time.
October, however, told a different story. Against the Toronto Blue Jays, Kevin Gausman struck out Aaron Judge in a lopsided Game 1 loss.
Game 2 brought more frustration as Trey Yesavage fanned 11 Yankees in 5 1.3 innings of no-hit ball, while a brief resurgence followed when Judge homered off Louis Varland in Game 3.
With largely the same roster returning, the Yankees now face a familiar question: is continuity enough, or does it risk repeating the same outcome?
Without meaningful upgrades and with health uncertainties, the gap between contender and champion remains uncomfortably thin.
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