A full breakdown of the Yankees’ Division Series roster
· Yahoo Sports
The stage is set for the Postseason, and the Yankees have confirmed their 26-man roster for the American League Division Series.
There isn’t too much of a change from the Wild Card Series roster, but it’s worth noting that Aaron Judge is left out once again, and Ryan Weathers is available to step in as a reliever for the first time since late August. The lefty pitcher was placed on the IL with a left forearm flexor strain. The Yankees also left out third baseman Amed Rosario to make room for Weathers on the roster.
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Here’s everything you need to know about each player and how they can propel the Yankees’ postseason run in the ALDS against Tampa Bay.
Position PlayersCody Bellinger: The Yankees will rely on Bellinger to give the offense some momentum, especially without Aaron Judge. He went 3-for-9 in the Wild Card Series with a home run that sealed the victory for the Yankees in Game 2. If he can stay hot in Tampa Bay, it should be enough to keep the Pinstripes on top.
José Caballero: A utilityman most likely to be deployed at third base, Caballero has the potential to be effective defensively and may get the start over Ryan McMahon. He finished September batting .163 with a .260 OBP, but didn’t get any at-bats during the Wild Card Series against Boston.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.: Jazz will likely play second in higher risk scenarios and alternate with Anthony Volpe. He went 2-for-3 with two runs and worked a walk in Game 2 of the Wild Card Series.
Luis García Jr.: After drilling a home run that helped the Yankees dominate Boston in Game 2, García Jr. will look to keep his numbers up against the Rays. He will likely alternate with Paul Goldschmidt, who does well against lefties.
Paul Goldschmidt: Serving as a reliable option at first base, Goldschmidt brings a strong veteran presence that sets the tone for the younger guys on the roster. He worked two walks late in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series that gave Ben Rice the perfect setup for the grand slam.
Trent Grisham: After making his return from the IL in the Wild Card Series, Grisham will likely alternate at center field with Spencer Jones. It’s unclear if the Yankees will use him as a starter against Tampa Bay over Jones, but keeping him available to pinch hit could be the best option.
Spencer Jones: Following his postseason debut, Jones will likely continue to build off his momentum as the Yankees head to Tampa Bay. However, if he ends up struggling to make an impact offensively, it wouldn’t be surprising to see a pinch hitter like Stanton take his place in the order.
George Lombard Jr.: A standout in the Wild Card Series, Lombard Jr. instills confidence defensively while also remaining fearless at the plate. He went 4-for-8 against Boston with three runs, and can give the Yankees support towards the middle of the order.
Ryan McMahon: Alternating with Caballero at third, McMahon is expected to make a start at least once against Tampa to test the options at third base.
Heliot Ramos: Although he didn’t play a huge role in giving the Yankees insurance against Boston, Ramos will likely start at right field if the Rays throw out a left-handed starter and otherwise prepare to get hot off the bench in the ALDS. There’s also a chance that he alternates with Spencer Jones in the field. After a bit of a cold start in Pinstripes, Ramos finished September batting .255 with a .491 slugging percentage.
Ben Rice: What else is there to say about Rice other than that he’s been the most clutch hitter for the Yankees without Aaron Judge? There’s no doubt we’ve seen the last of his electricity at the plate, and it’ll be very exciting to see how he matches up against the Rays.
Ali Sánchez: Available as a backup for Austin Wells behind the plate, it’s unsurprising that Sánchez made the roster and has the chance to appear in a low-risk scenario.
Giancarlo Stanton: Despite not getting the chance to hit in the Wild Card Series, Stanton will likely have a pinch hitting opportunity in the ALDS. One of the Yankees’ all-time leading playoff sluggers, with 18 homers, Big G might have his classic playoff moment that will leave the Rays stunned.
Anthony Volpe: After hitting a sacrifice bunt in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series that helped set the Yankees up to shut down Boston, Volpe has the potential to shine against the Rays. He will alternate with Jazz at second, and we will likely see him get the start at least once in the series.
Austin Wells: After jumpstarting the Yankees offense that totaled 18 runs in the two-game Wild Card Series sweep, Wells will look to bring the same energy against Tampa Bay. It will be fun to see him hopefully win an ABS challenge.
PitchersDavid Bednar: Maintaining his spot on the roster as the Yankees’ closer, Bednar wasn’t needed in the Wild Card Series but got some work to stay fresh in Game 2. He’ll be prepared to earn the save against Tampa Bay should the Yankees enter the ninth with a lead and continue the chase for 28.
Paul Blackburn: After giving up a hit in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series and inducing a double play that ended the seventh, Blackburn is prepared to make an impact in quieting the Tampa Bay offense.
Gerrit Cole: Getting the start for Game 1 of the ALDS, Cole will look to dominate the Rays in his first postseason outing since 2024. If needed, he will also likely be available for the Game 4 start.
Max Fried: Effectively shutting down Boston’s offense in the Wild Card Series, Fried will likely start Game 3 and hopefully keep the Rays’ offense at bay.
Brent Headrick: Maintaining consistency throughout the regular season, Headrick is expected to shine in a relief role throughout the postseason. He finished the regular season with a 2.18 ERA and 98 strikeouts over 78.3 innings. Headrick was used a lot, but did at least get three full days of rest going into today.
Carlos Rodón: If we don’t end up seeing him in a starting role, Rodón is expected to come in as a reliever and shut down the Tampa Bay offense. He didn’t make an appearance against Boston, but if he can keep his numbers from September trending in the right direction, he’ll be lights out.
Cam Schlittler: Dominating Boston in Game 1, and continuing his feud with seemingly the entire state of Massachusetts, Schlittler will surely be one of the Yankees’ most powerful weapons on the bump. The 25-year-old ace is poised to make his second career ALDS appearance as a starter for Game 2 and could be available for a decisive Game 5 should this series go the distance.
John Schreiber: Taking a spot as a relief option if needed, Schreiber may take the mound in a low-risk scenario.
Will Warren: Giving up a run in 1.2 innings of Game 2 in the Wild Card Series, Warren will look to bounce back and silence the bats from Tampa Bay. One of the team’s core starters all year, Warren started transitioning into a role with the bullpen through a couple appearances in September and his presence as a multi-inning option is one of the reasons the Yankees can so confidently field an extended bench.
Ryan Weathers: Positioned to make his first relief appearance since being reinstated from the IL, Weathers will be a crucial addition to this roster in place of third baseman Amed Rosario. He showed promising signs in his bullpen sessions, and we’ll expect him to be an essential factor in shutting down the Rays’ offense. Weathers was another starter alongside Warren making the shift over, though he has some experience relieving as he made 12 appearances out of the ‘pen in his rookie season with the Padres.
Ryan Yarbrough: Securing his spot on the roster over Tim Hill, Yarbrough will be available as a low-risk option, and he could make an appearance on the bump if there’s a scenario where they need to get a reliever out of a jam.
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