Yankees Offseason Outlook

The Yankees are entering yet another critical offseason, with Aaron Judge in his prime and still seeking their first World Series title since 2009. After losing in the ALDS to the Toronto Blue Jays in 4 games, the Yankees have no shortage of needs this winter. My suspicion is that the Yankees will make most of their moves via free agency, rather than the trade market. Here’s what I think the  offseason for the Yankees looks like heading into 2026

Bring Back Cody Bellinger

Bringing back Bellinger is a necessity for the Yankees, assuming they don’t want to sign Kyle Tucker, citing defensive concerns, Bellinger is a no-brainer. After being acquired by the Cubs, Bellinger had a fantastic season for the Yankees in 2025, clubbing 29 home runs, putting up a 4.9 fWAR, and having amazing defensive metrics. Bellinger was a big presence in the middle of the Yankees lineup behind Aaron Judge, coming through late in games and making key defensive plays in the outfield. Though there is definitely an argument that the Yankees should sign Kyle Tucker, the organization seems to value Bellinger in a higher regard. Bellinger was a seamless fit in New York, and I have no doubt he will return.

Contract Prediction: 6 Years, $170 Million

Sign Tatsuya Imai

Imai is the premier NPB pitcher coming over this winter. It’s a bigger Japanese class than normal, also sporting key bats in Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto. Imai is a perfect fit for the Yankees. Though he does not have the body of work that say Yoshinobu Yamamoto had, he still was elite last season. Imai is 27 years old, and had some of the best whiff rates and swinging-strike rates in all of NPB. He has also spoken in the media about his desire to beat his fellow countrymen, saying that he wants to be the best among them. The Yankees already have very strong reported interest in Imai, and the Yankees tend to spend on pitching more than offense. Imai projects as a middle of the rotation arm but he has legitimate ace upside. Locking him up while in his prime would only help the Yankees future in the rotation.

Contract Prediction: 7 Years, $150 Million

Sign Amed Rosario

Rosario was acquired by the Yankees from the Washington Nationals at the trade deadline, and he played the exact role they needed him to play down the stretch. He platooned with Ryan McMahon at third base and he absolutely crushed left handed pitching. Particularly Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet, Rosario had multiple key hits against him down the stretch and in the Wild Card series. He can play 2nd base and corner outfield in a pinch, and was an amazing clubhouse presence. After a clutch hit from a teammate he’s always the first one out of the dugout, would love to see his energy back in the Bronx next season. 

Contract Prediction: 1 Year, $5 Million

Sign Austin Hays

Austin Hays is the exact type of player the Yankees showed they would like to deploy last season. Down the stretch after the deadline the Yankees utilized platoons a lot more, something they haven’t done much recently. Hays would be a perfect addition to hit against LHP. He put up a 105 wRC+ with the Reds last season and could be a fantastic platoon option. Especially if the Yankees don’t get much progression from Domínguez against left handed pitching. Hays isn’t fantastic defensively, but he is definitely serviceable. Primarily a corner outfielder but he can play center field in a pinch if need be. Hays could be a great piece off the Yankee bench and I think that he is a great fit in the Bronx.

Contract Prediction: 1 Year, $5 Million

Sign Pete Fairbanks

With the probable departures of both Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, the Yankees need to search for more depth in their bullpen. They got good seasons out of Fernando Cruz and Tim Hill. At the trade deadline they acquired David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird. But they need to add another arm. Fairbanks is a guy the Yankees have had interest in before, I don’t suspect that to change. Fairbanks has been one of Tampa Bay’s best relievers since making his debut in 2020, and with his fastball velocity being high, and that being something the Yankees lacked at times, the fit here makes a lot of sense.

Contract Prediction: 1 Year, $3 Million