Who is in, who is out? Latest projected Yankees' 26-man roster

TAMPA, Fla. – On this largely set Yankees’ club, there are still a handful of unsettled issues.

Veteran right-handed hitting outfielder Randal Grichuk’s agreement on a minor league deal Wednesday, as first reported by the YES Network’s Jack Curry, adds a new twist here.

Grichuk’s presence directly impacts the switch-hitting Jasson Dominguez, and it remains to be seen if Oswaldo Cabrera has enough runway to make the Opening Day roster.

And there’s always something that could change, whether it’s when to use the No. 5 starter, or the unforeseen injury. Here’s our latest best guess at the 26-player active roster for the March 25 opener at San Francisco:

Yankees projected starting rotation (4) Feb 24, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Will Warren (98) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Feb 24, 2026; Dunedin, Florida, USA; New York Yankees starting pitcher Will Warren (98) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at TD Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Max Fried, LHP

Luis Gil, RHP

Ryan Weathers, LHP

Will Warren, RHP

Starting on the injured list: RHPs Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt, Chase Hampton; LHP Carlos Rodon.

In the conversation: LHP Cam Schlittler, Ryan Yarbrough; RHP Paul Blackburn.

Longshot candidates: RHPs Elmer Rodriguez, Carlos Lagrange, Brendan Beck, Adam Kloffenstein, Drake Fellows.

Summary: There are three scheduled off dates in the season’s first nine days, which could delay the use of a fifth starter.

In that case, there’s no sense in rushing Cam Schlittler into 2026.

“We probably don’t need” a fifth starter right away, said manager Aaron Boone. “But you never know how that shakes out either.”

On Wednesday, Schlittler resumed pitching to live hitters after being delayed a little over a week in camp by mid-back inflammation. But he kept up his throwing program, so he was never too far behind.

All told in 2025, Schlittler pitched a career-high 164 innings (including postseason), but so his 2026 workload is something to watch.

Schlittler probably won’t be allowed to throw up to 90 pitches by the season’s first week, but “I’ll take 70 pitches of Cam Schlittler,” said Boone, though “I guess (it’s) possible” that Schlittler slots in after the first rotation turn.

Also of note, Will Warren’s 2025 workload was a career high, and Ryan Weathers hasn’t thrown more than 94.2 innings in his five MLB seasons.

Yankees projected bullpen (8)

David Bednar, RHP

Fernando Cruz, RHP

Camilo Doval, RHP

Tim Hill, LHP

Brent Headrick, LHP

Cade Winquest, RHP

Ryan Yarbrough, LHP

Paul Blackburn, RHP

In the conversation: RHPs Jake Bird, Angel Chivilli, Osvaldo Brito, Kervin Castro.

Longshot candidates: RHPs Yerry de los Santos, Yovanny Cruz, Harrison Cohen.

Summary: Without taking a fifth starter, the possibility exists to take an extra reliever.

But since there’s probably not enough work to go around, an extra position player might be the beneficiary of that roster spot.

Veteran, non-roster right-handed reliever Rafael Montero had still not arrived in camp as of Wednesday due to visa problems.

Yankees projected catchers (2) Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Austin Wells

J.C. Escarra

In the conversation: Ali Sanchez, Payton Henry.

Longshot candidates: Miguel Palma, Abrahan Gutierrez.

Summary: No changes here.

Wells will soon leave camp to join the Dominican Republic team at the World Baseball Classic. Escarra remains a potential trade candidate, or subject to start in the minors if they land a right-handed hitting catcher.

Yankees projected infielders (7) Feb 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees infielder Paul DeJong (18) hits a single against the Detroit Tigers in the during the third inning in a Spring Training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Feb 21, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees infielder Paul DeJong (18) hits a single against the Detroit Tigers in the during the third inning in a Spring Training game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images

Ben Rice

Paul Goldschmidt

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Jose Caballero

Ryan McMahon

Amed Rosario

Max Schuemann

Starting on the injured list: Anthony Volpe.

In the conversation: Oswaldo Cabrera, Paul DeJong, Zack Short.

Longshot candidates: Seth Brown, Jonathan Ornelas, Jorbit Vivas, George Lombard Jr.

Summary: There’s doubt about Oswaldo Cabrera’s readiness for Opening Day, opening the door for Max Schuemann and possibly for veteran non-roster infielder Paul DeJong.

Coming back from a fractured left ankle last May, Cabrera’s entry into exhibition play could possibly be as early as late next week (March 5-6 range), per Boone.

“I feel like he’s made real improvement the last couple of weeks,” Boone said of Cabrera. “I know he’s starting to feel really good.”

Schuemann’s presence on the 40-man roster helps and he’s also been starting games in the outfield, adding to his versatility. DeJong started at all four infield spots last year for the Washington Nationals.

Yankees projected outfielders (5)

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