Yankees Face Uncertainty as Spring Training Begins

Three big questions loom over the team as they aim to end World Series drought

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The New York Yankees enter spring training with a degree of unrest and uncertainty as they look to end their 17-year World Series drought. General manager Brian Cashman is standing by the team's roster, which is largely unchanged from last year, but questions remain about the starting rotation, the future at shortstop, and whether the current lineup can provide enough support for reigning AL MVP Aaron Judge.

Why it matters

The Yankees' inability to win a World Series since 2009 has been a source of frustration for the franchise and its fans. With the American League becoming increasingly competitive, the team faces pressure to prove it can still be a contender. The decisions made this spring will set the tone for the season and potentially determine the long-term direction of the organization.

The details

The Yankees are largely running back the same roster from 2025, with the only notable change being a new shortstop as Anthony Volpe recovers from offseason shoulder surgery. The team is banking on a strong starting rotation, led by Max Fried, to carry them, but the rotation will be without Carlos Rodon until late April or early May and Gerrit Cole until late May or early June due to offseason surgeries. Top prospect George Lombard Jr. is the future at shortstop, but he is still a ways away from the majors, leaving Jose Caballero and Paul DeJong to potentially fill the role in the interim.

  • The Yankees' World Series drought is now in its 17th year.
  • Carlos Rodon is expected to return in late April or early May after offseason elbow surgery.
  • Gerrit Cole is not due back until late May or early June after undergoing Tommy John surgery in March 2024.

The players

Brian Cashman

The general manager of the New York Yankees who is standing by the team's roster despite the lack of significant offseason moves.

Aaron Judge

The reigning American League MVP and the centerpiece of the Yankees' lineup.

George Lombard Jr.

The Yankees' top prospect at shortstop, who is still a few years away from making his MLB debut.

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What they’re saying

“George is still in his development mode. He's come a long way, he's exciting, he's got a lot of talent.”

— Brian Cashman, General Manager (AMNY.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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