The New York Yankees are heading into a crucial offseason after another disappointing playoff exit, losing in the AL Division Series to the Toronto Blue Jays [2, 7, 15]. General Manager Brian Cashman faces tough decisions as the team looks to retool for a World Series run in 2026 [6, 2]. Several key players could be on the move, and the Yankees' free agency priorities are coming into focus [15].
Potential Departures and Free Agency Targets
The Yankees may cut ties with a nine-year MLB veteran [2]. While the player is not named, this move signals a potential roster overhaul. Meanwhile, reliever Devin Williams will enter free agency after an underwhelming first season in New York [4]. Despite his struggles with the Yankees, Williams has a history of dominance and could be a valuable asset for another team, with the Dodgers mentioned as a potential fit [4].
Cody Bellinger's future with the Yankees is also uncertain [6]. Expected to opt out of his three-year, $80 million contract, Bellinger's return depends on Cashman's willingness to spend [6]. Another potential loss for the Yankees is Paul Goldschmidt, with the Arizona Diamondbacks reportedly interested in the seven-time All-Star [5].
Several teams are showing interest in players connected to the Yankees. The Seattle Mariners are reportedly linked to a $168 million free agent star, though the specific player is not named [3]. Additionally, the St. Louis Cardinals, after trading away bullpen arms last season, could pursue a familiar face who had a dominant run with the Yankees [1].
Free Agent Options and Team Needs
As the Yankees evaluate their roster, several free-agent options could address their needs. Veteran pitcher Quintana, coming off two solid seasons, could be a target for teams like the Blue Jays, Orioles, or Cardinals [10, 16]. He posted an 11-7 record with a 3.86 ERA in 24 starts for the Brewers in 2025 [10].
The free-agent market also includes players like Robert Suarez, a closer who led the NL with 40 saves [19]. Teams will also have to consider players like Luke Weaver, though his second-half struggles and potential issues with tipping pitches raise concerns [11]. Weaver's value will depend on whether teams believe his issues are fixable [11].
Other potential free agent targets include players from the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), such as Kazuma Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami [18, 20]. Okamoto, a six-time All-Star corner infielder, will be posted by the Yomiuri Giants [18]. Murakami, a slugging corner infielder, will be posted by the Tokyo Yakult Swallows [20].
TL;DR
- The Yankees face a critical offseason after an early playoff exit, potentially leading to significant roster changes [2, 7, 15].
- Reliever Devin Williams and outfielder Cody Bellinger may depart via free agency, while Paul Goldschmidt could be targeted by the Diamondbacks [4, 6, 5].
- The Yankees are expected to explore free-agent options like Quintana and potentially pursue players from the NPB [10, 18, 20].
- Several teams, including the Cardinals and Mariners, are showing interest in players formerly or currently associated with the Yankees [1, 3].