Yankees Emerge From Spring Training in Good Health

After a disastrous 2025 spring, the Yankees head north with few injuries and high hopes for the 2026 season.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:50am

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The New York Yankees are leaving their spring training facility in Tampa, Florida, in good health after a relatively uneventful camp. A year after dealing with a rash of key injuries, the Yankees made it through six weeks without any major issues, though they will start the season with four players on the injured list. The team's starting pitching depth and lineup strength have them feeling optimistic about the year ahead.

Why it matters

The Yankees' ability to avoid significant injuries during spring training is a welcome change from 2025, when they were plagued by setbacks that hampered their season. With their core players healthy and some promising young talent pushing for roster spots, the Yankees appear poised to contend for the playoffs once again.

The details

The Yankees will head to Arizona for a couple of exhibition games against the Cubs before opening the season against the Giants on Wednesday. While they'll be without Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and Anthony Volpe to start the year, all four players had surgery before camp and are progressing well in their recoveries. The team's starting pitching depth, with the likes of top prospect Carlos Lagrange impressing, and a deep lineup have the Yankees feeling confident about their chances.

  • The Yankees broke camp on Sunday, March 23, 2026.
  • They will play their final two spring training games against the Cubs on Monday, March 24 and Tuesday, March 25.
  • The Yankees open the 2026 regular season on Wednesday, March 26 against the Giants.

The players

Aaron Boone

The manager of the New York Yankees.

Gerrit Cole

The Yankees' ace pitcher who is recovering from surgery and will start the season on the injured list.

Carlos Rodón

A key member of the Yankees' starting rotation who is also recovering from surgery and will miss the start of the season.

Aaron Judge

The Yankees' star outfielder and one of the team's top players.

Carlos Lagrange

A top pitching prospect in the Yankees' system who impressed during spring training and is nearing a call-up to the majors.

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What they’re saying

“I think for the most part, I feel like it's been a very good spring for us as far as overall health, guys getting the right amount of reps and things, some of our young guys pushing for roles and real playing time are looking the part.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager

“Having the depth that we have in pitching, I don't think we've had that in quite a long time. Even if you count the guys that are injured coming back — Rodón, Schmidt and Cole, you add those guys back, we have 11-12 starting pitchers deep. So that'll be nice.”

— Aaron Judge

What’s next

The Yankees will finalize their Opening Day roster in the coming days, with a few bullpen spots still up for grabs. They will also monitor the progress of their injured players as they work to return to the active roster.

The takeaway

After a disastrous 2025 spring training, the Yankees have bounced back with a relatively uneventful camp, emerging with their core players healthy and their depth in a strong position. This puts them in a good position to contend for the playoffs once again in 2026.