The Yankees are prioritizing a bullpen rebuild while exploring changes at third base, second base and catcher after returning from the General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas.
General manager Brian Cashman identified relief pitching as the club’s leading need, according to MLB.com’s Bryan Hoch. New York won 93 games in 2026 but was eliminated in the American League Division Series, leaving Cashman looking for improvements across the roster.
Bullpen faces several possible departures
The Yankees extended a $23.15 million qualifying offer to closer David Bednar, 32, hoping to keep him in the ninth inning. They also want to retain free-agent relievers Tim Hill and Paul Blackburn.
Cashman told MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM that the potential loss of Bednar and Blackburn leaves openings in the late innings and requires the club to examine a broad range of options.
Adrian Morejon, a prominent Yankees trade target in July, could attract renewed interest as a free agent. Hoch also reported that a reunion with Jonathan Loáisiga has been mentioned as a possibility.
Brent Headrick provides an established returning option after recording a 2.18 ERA in a major league-leading 81 appearances.
Infield and catcher options remain open
The Yankees are willing to consider an upgrade over Ryan McMahon at third base. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand confirmed interest in free agent Alec Bohm, who could replace McMahon or share the position in a platoon.
Japanese slugger Teruaki Sato is another available offensive option highlighted in Hoch’s report. Sato won the Nippon Professional Baseball Triple Crown with the Hanshin Tigers this past season, hitting .306 with 39 home runs and 106 RBIs.
Second base remains unsettled as Jazz Chisholm Jr. reportedly draws interest from at least 10 teams. Anthony Volpe, José Caballero and Luis García Jr. are internal possibilities, while the Yankees have checked on free agents Brandon Lowe and Luis Arraez. The club also has longstanding interest in Miami’s Xavier Edwards.
Cashman wants a right-handed-hitting catcher to complement Austin Wells. The Yankees pursued Ryan Jeffers and Tyler Stephenson at the trade deadline but did not complete a deal.
Rookie Spencer Jones showed athleticism and power potential in center field, but Cashman cautioned that November roster possibilities do not establish who will fill the team’s positions next season. Managing general partner Hal Steinbrenner has identified offensive underperformance as a reason for the early postseason exit.
Rotation depth offers more certainty
The starting rotation is led by American League Cy Young Award winner Cam Schlittler. Max Fried is expected to recover from left elbow surgery by spring, while Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón have assured rotation spots.
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Will Warren posted a 3.92 ERA over 32 appearances, including 29 starts. Cashman also views Ryan Weathers as a starter, along with prospects Elmer Rodríguez and Carlos Lagrange, ranked second and third in the organization, respectively.
Lagrange would have reached the majors during the second half of the season if a right capsule strain had not interrupted that opportunity, according to Hoch.
Coaching searches continue
Pitching coach Matt Blake and assistants Preston Claiborne and Desi Druschel will return in 2027. Other positions require replacements after bench coach Brad Ausmus became Houston’s manager, hitting coach James Rowson accepted the Giants’ offensive coordinator position and catching coach Tanner Swanson became Seattle’s bench coach.
Aaron Gershenfeld has been elevated to replace Swanson. Aaron Bates and Joe Dillon are reportedly among the hitting-coach candidates, while former Astros manager Joe Espada is considered a possibility for bench coach.
Cashman said the Yankees must remain open to opportunities throughout the roster after a season that ended short of their championship goal.
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