TAKING INVENTORY
Cashman & Co. will need to sort out who stays, who goes from disappointing ’23 roster
The Yankees needed 54 different players to get through this season, but it was not the right combination to get them back to the playoffs.
Now they enter a critical offseason in which there could be plenty of roster churning despite the club only having four free agents. Here’s a look at where the Yankees’ roster stands:
Gerrit Cole
The Yankees’ ace did just about everything he could to help the Bombers this season on the way to likely winning the AL Cy Young. He still has five years left on his contract, but there is an opt-out after next season.
Aaron Judge
As long as he avoids the rightfield wall at Dodger Stadium next season, he looks primed to make another run at 50-plus homers.
Giancarlo Stanton
Has a critical offseason ahead of him as he pledged to make adjustments following a brutal season at the plate.
DJ LeMahieu
After struggling in the first half, looked more like himself in the second half with some help from Sean Casey. The Yankees need that to continue with three years left on his contract.
Anthony Rizzo
The veteran first baseman’s season was derailed by a concussion in late May, but the Yankees believe he is on the right path to being a healthy player next season.
Gleyber Torres
He was the Yankees’ most consistent hitter this season, but with one year left under team control, could also become a trade chip.
Anthony Volpe
The 22-year-old shortstop had a solid rookie season, with betterthan-expected defense and joining the 20/20 club. But he needs to take a second-year leap at the plate.
Oswald Peraza
Has shown off his defensive chops in the infield, but can he hit enough to find a permanent home in the big leagues? His position also remains to be seen.
Oswaldo Cabrera
After failing to take off with the starting left-field job, looked more like himself in September, which he needs to build on next year to fill a key utility role.
Jasson Dominguez
Lived up to the hype in an eight-game cameo, but will be out until around midseason after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Isiah Kiner-Falefa
Excelled in a utility role, especially early this season, but will likely be headed elsewhere as a free agent.
Kyle Higashioka
The longest-tenured Yankee may be headed elsewhere next season, either through a non-tender or trade, with the catching situation crowded.
Ben Rortvedt
Proved he could handle himself behind the plate by becoming Gerrit Cole’s personal catcher in the second half, but still needs to show he can hit.
Jose Trevino
Missed the second half to undergo wrist surgery, but the defensive-minded catcher should be ready for spring training.
Austin Wells
Held his own defensively during a September call-up and finished with a hot bat, too. He should have a chance to form a tandem with Trevino next year, at the very least.
Estevan Florial
The toolsy center fielder finally got another chance in September, but might not have done enough to save his Yankees career.
Everson Pereira
The left fielder may need some more seasoning in the minors next season after struggling to hit in a late-season call-up.
Jake Bauers
The left-handed bat showed some flashes but not consistently enough, clouding his future with the club.
Michael King
The former bullpen weapon turned a late-season starting audition into a spot in next year’s rotation. Questions remain as to whether he can hold up physically for 170-plus innings, but he has the makings of a high-end starter.
Nestor Cortes
Coming off an All-Star season in 2022, Cortes fell back down to earth through underperformance and injuries. He is in a throwing program to make sure his shoulder is healthy entering next year.
Carlos Rodon
His first season in pinstripes could not have gone much worse because of injuries, underperformance and then turning his back on Matt Blake in his final start. Key offseason for the lefty who still has five years and $135 million left on his contract.
Clarke Schmidt
Coming off a breakout season to solidify himself as a starter, Schmidt should have a spot in next year’s rotation — unless the Yankees use him as a trade piece to acquire offense.
Luis Severino
After a tough season marred with more injuries, the high-ceiling Severino enters free agency and may just need a fresh start somewhere else.
Frankie Montas
Came back from February shoulder surgery to throw 1 ¹/₃ innings of relief in Game 161. Now becomes a free agent but a prove-it deal to pitch in The Bronx next year cannot be ruled out yet.
Clay Holmes
Overall, the closer turned in a strong season, converting 24 of 27 saves, though with a few big hiccups along the way. He’s set to remain in the role next year before hitting free agency.
Tommy Kahnle
The high-leverage reliever’s first season back in The Bronx was inconsistent — including a pair of arm injuries — but has another year on his contract.
Ian Hamilton
A revelation as a minor league signing last offseason, the reliever looks like the latest successful turnaround by the Yankees’ pitching staff.
Jonathan Loaisiga
Great when he’s healthy, but not healthy often enough. A pair of elbow injuries sabotaged his season and he now has one year left under team control.
Wandy Peralta
The lefty reliever had been one of the most durable arms — even if he was slightly less effective this season — before going on the injured list late. Now he enters free agency, though if he leaves, the Yankees will need another lefty.
Jhony Brito
The young right-hander had mixed results as a spot starter but thrived late in a multi-inning relief role — one he could fill next year with Michael King moving to the rotation.
Randy Vasquez
Showed well for himself in limited spot starts and will continue to give the Yankees’ starting depth.