The Yankees roster shuffle continues. Friday, the Yankees sent Jasson Dominguez, among others, to AAA ahead of the game. Today, they option a number of players to minor league camp, including a fan favorite.
Cabrera and Schueman optioned
The Yankees optioned Oswaldo Cabrera to AAA Scranton. Cabrera sustained an injury in Seattle last season that ended his season. This year, his spring training was impacted by the recovery from the injury.
He will start the season in AAA, but he could see time on the MLB roster. In past seasons, Cabrera saw time on the bench. This season, it does not fit the needs of the team. Cabrera’s criptonight has been hitting left-handers, and that is what the Yankees are trying to fit on their bench.
There were two other players that were candidates for bench spots, but were optioned. Max Schueman and Paul DeJong were both vying for the final bench spot. Because Ryan McMahon proved that he can play a solid shortstop in an emergency scenario, the Yankees needed neither. Both players had good springs for the Yankees and will receive reps in AAA. They can be recalled to the MLB team if needed.
The Current Yankees Bench
The Yankees’ bench is in much better shape going into 2026 than in the past few seasons. There is no Pablo Reyes or Oswald Peraza on their bench taking up a spot. Instead, they have players on their bench to take part in specific roles to help the team’s success.
One thing we have seen over the past few years in the AL East is the use of platoons. The Yankees will lean a bit more into that in 2026. Randal Gritchuk will platoon with Trent Grisham in center against lefties. The same will be for Amed Rosario and Ryan McMahon at third, and possibly Paul Goldschmidt and Ben Rice at first.
The interesting part is the Yankees carrying three lefty catchers on the roster, as J.C. Escarra will break camp with the team. Escarra has had a good camp for the Yankees.
The final 26-man roster spots will come down to the bullpen, with still an open competition to win spots in what could be a strength or a weakness for this Yankees team.
(Top Image Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images)
