Predicting The New York Yankees 26-Man Roster For 2026

The Yankees will be faced with multiple contract scenarios this offseason surrounding several of their everyday players. This Yankees offseason will be one of the biggest in recent years when it comes to being faced with their lineup and bullpen.

New York has 11 total contracts that expire after the 2025 season between UFA’s and players that carry a ‘26 option

The biggest question features the Yankees outfield, which is crowded so far this season with Judge-Bellinger-Dominguez-Grisham and Giancarlo Stanton occasionally playing if need be, although it was mainly so Judge could DH. 

If the Yankees want to promote Spencer Jones in 2026, which will likely feature him on the opening day roster, then New York will likely have to let Grisham go this offseason. 

Grisham had a career-high season in almost every offensive category possible – not to mention over 60% of his home runs have either been game-tying or go-ahead. Keeping Grisham – although it would still be a fairly inexpensive signing, even a qualifying offer carries a projected $22M – would halt the development of Jones, especially if the Yankees also retain Cody Bellinger.

The biggest factor to Grisham is that despite a great season homer wise accompanied by a 14% walk rate, he simply doesn’t have the track record to back up the case to him carrying this type of play into 2026 and beyond.

Bringing Bellinger back would be for sure a fan-favorite move, but hitting free agency could see him make nearly $25M per year. The Yankees should want Belli back, but making the money work will be the ultimate decider as Bellinger has the potential to be one of the most crucial signings this offseason by any team and the Yankees would be in a bidding war.

You also have Ahmed Rosario, who is a premium utility player that could be brought back for a fairly low AAV. In 16 games, Rosario hit .303 with a .788 OPS.

Paul Goldschmidt had a solid season, hitting more than .020 points above league average. After a strong start to 2025, which saw him hitting over .340 also saw him have a fall from grace and multiple slumps that hurt his overall season production. The Yankees could save $12M and go for a younger option. One scenario could see Ben Rice split time in the catcher / first base role.

Pitching was exposed massively in the ALDS. Overall, it was the Achilles heel of the Yankees since early July. 

Devin Williams should return in 2026, as he redeemed himself with a strong September and shutout playoff appearances. A one-year prove-it deal could see Williams once again become the world-class pitcher he was prior to 2025.

Tim Hill should also be brought back as he has been one of the most consistent bullpen arms since acquired in 2024.

Luke Weaver, who expressed interest in either starting or closing will likely seek elsewhere which long-term would be good for the Yankees as Weaver was simply not the same since coming back from his IL stint.

When it comes to free agency, the likely focus will be on pitching as overall New York is set position player wise. The front office is still heavy on Volpe, which is why I cannot see them fully replacing Volpe at shortstop and already have Jose Caballero in a platoon role. Will Warren will also be demoted to the bullpen since Gerrit Cole is coming back, making him a long-reliever.

So, with all of that said, here is your New York Yankees 26-man roster with a projected lineup, starting five and bullpen.

Lineup

1- McMahon 3B

2- Rice C

3- Judge RF

4- Bellinger CF

5- Stanton DH

6- Jones 1B

7- Chisholm 2B

8- Volpe SS

9- Dominguez LF

BENCH

Wells | Rosario | Cabrera | Caballero

STARTING FIVE

Cole - Fried - Rodon - Gil - Schlitter

BULLPEN

Hill - Hunter Harvey - Williams - Gregory Soto - Shawn Armstrong - Doval - Warren - Bednar (CP)

26/26 on 26-man roster

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