Yankees Roster Questions Linger as Opening Day Nears

Aaron Boone unsure about bench, bullpen spots as team prepares for season

Published on Mar. 10, 2026

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With two weeks until Opening Day, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone is still uncertain about how his roster will look, particularly regarding the bench and bullpen. The team has questions about carrying three catchers, the back end of the bullpen, and how outfielder Jasson Domínguez will fit into the outfield mix.

Why it matters

The Yankees are one of the most closely watched teams in baseball, and their roster decisions heading into the season will have a big impact on their chances of contending. Boone's uncertainty about key positions highlights the difficult decisions the team faces in finalizing their 26-man roster.

The details

Boone said the Yankees are unsure if they will carry three catchers like they did last season, and he's uncertain about the final bullpen spots, with some pitchers having "mixed results" this spring. The team is also trying to figure out Domínguez's role, with the 23-year-old outfielder likely headed to Triple-A to start the season after the team signed veteran Randal Grichuk.

  • The Yankees have two weeks until Opening Day.

The players

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Jasson Domínguez

A 23-year-old outfielder and former top prospect in the Yankees' system.

Randal Grichuk

A veteran outfielder who the Yankees signed to a minor-league deal in late February.

Ben Rice

A Yankees prospect who is expected to be the team's everyday first baseman, though the team is unsure if he will catch any games this spring.

J.C. Escarra

A catcher who could serve as the primary backup to Austin Wells to start the season.

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What they’re saying

“I don't know how it's going to shake out, to be honest”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager (New York Times)

“When you're doing bad, you're already at the bottom. So you've got to try something new and just play with it.”

— Jasson Domínguez (New York Times)

“That's why I see the potential there. Again, I think it's an experience thing. He still controls the zone from that side. It's just continuing to get reps from that side.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager (New York Times)

What’s next

The Yankees will continue to evaluate their roster decisions over the next two weeks leading up to Opening Day.

The takeaway

The Yankees' roster uncertainty heading into the season highlights the difficult decisions teams face in finalizing their 26-man rosters, with questions around the bench, bullpen, and young players like Domínguez all needing to be resolved.