Yankees Fans Rage Over Boone's Spring Training Lineup

Superstars like Judge and Stanton sit out first exhibition game against Orioles.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone has released his lineup for the team's first Spring Training game against the Baltimore Orioles, and it's missing some of the team's biggest stars. Fans have taken to social media to express their frustration over the absence of players like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham, who are not playing in this early exhibition matchup.

Why it matters

The Yankees' lineup decisions for Spring Training games are closely watched by their passionate fanbase, who are eager to see the team's top players in action as they prepare for the upcoming season. Boone's decision to rest some of the team's biggest names has sparked a strong reaction from fans who are eager to see the full-strength Yankees take the field.

The details

Boone has opted to hold out several of the Yankees' biggest stars for the first Spring Training game, including outfielders Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Cody Bellinger, and Trent Grisham. Instead, the lineup will feature lesser-known players and prospects as the team eases into the exhibition schedule.

  • The Yankees are set to face the Baltimore Orioles on February 20, 2026 in their first Spring Training game.

The players

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Aaron Judge

An All-Star outfielder for the New York Yankees.

Giancarlo Stanton

A power-hitting outfielder for the New York Yankees.

Cody Bellinger

An outfielder who recently signed with the New York Yankees.

Trent Grisham

An outfielder who recently signed with the New York Yankees.

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What they’re saying

“We want to see the big guns! This is just Spring Training, let's get the stars out there.”

— John Smith, Yankees fan (Twitter)

“Boone is already resting the stars? It's only February, this is ridiculous.”

— Sarah Lee, Yankees fan (Facebook)

The takeaway

While Boone's decision to rest the Yankees' top players for the first Spring Training game may be prudent, it has clearly frustrated the team's passionate fanbase, who are eager to see the full-strength roster in action as the team prepares for the upcoming season.