Spring training is just getting started, and the attention to New York Yankees baseball is on the rise. The organization has decided to “run it back”, deploying a similar roster to 2025. This move isn’t necessarily a bad one.
The Yankees failed to make it out of the American League Division Series in 2025, let alone win a World Series. Not winning a World Series is considered a failure in the Bronx. Therefore, one would expect a huge offseason. With big market teams such as the Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Boston Red Sox, you can usually expect a splash in the market. The usual thought process of the rest of the sports world is “you went out and bought next year’s championship.”
But for the Yankees, the current narrative seems to be “you didn’t do enough in the offseason to counter last season.” At face value, this was absolutely the case. The Yankees did not make any real internet-breaking deals to enhance their team. This is unlike the organization and the Steinbrenner family.
The Bronx Bombers are known for spending money and getting their guys. This offseason was library silence. Meanwhile, every other team in the American League East made improvements.
What’s the analogy behind this? It seems that general manager Brian Cashman is comfortable with his roster and sees fit to compete. His “run it back” method may have some logic to it.
The Yankees Can Run It Back and Still Find Success
The Yankees roster does have some holes and obvious concerns. The fact that they chose to run it back was not the response the fans wanted, but it’s what made sense to the decision makers.
Whether it’s an independent thought or not, manager Aaron Boone believes his current roster is not the be-all, end-all. He expressed to the New York Post that he doesn’t think his team is a finished product at this point.
Boone may know of some possible deals or interests that his front office could pull off. Even still, the Yankees are returning with a total of four 2025 MLB All-Stars.
Max Fried was selected for last year’s Midsummer Classic, but he did not participate. He was replaced by Carlos Rodón, and joining him were Aaron Judge and Jazz Chisholm Jr. The club finished with a 94-68 record. They had the second-best record in the American League and were a win short of the AL East title.
Core and Offense Remains
Cashman ensured that his core returned to the field. Aaron Judge was a staple in the lineup, with 53 home runs and 114 RBI. He’s the centerpiece of the Bombers’ lineup, surrounded by Giancarlo Stanton and Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Also returning is Cody Bellinger, who is a huge lineup factor. Ryan McMahon will also return and provide outstanding defense along with a serviceable bat.
This core powered through the division up to a point last season. Their synergy was unquestionable before hitting a midseason snag, and then bowing out in October. The keys to this group’s performance are consistency and health.
Strength on the Mound
The one pitching addition the Yankees made was Ryan Weathers, who adds some depth to the pitching staff. They can run it back with his addition, giving more depth in the rotation and/or the bullpen.
The rotation is set to be one of the most competitive in the league. This pushes last year’s fill-in starters back to the bullpen, where they’ll grind out the back end of games. Last year’s bullpen reliability was weak, so this year should see some improvement.
Ultimately, the club will need all pistons firing and powering their weight. Health will be a consideration, as well as rehabilitation for pitchers like Cole and Rodón. When all is said and done, the Yankees’ decision to run it back may have been well thought out.
Main Photo Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
