Yankees Aim to 'Run It Back' to World Series Title

Veteran stars like Aaron Judge and Paul Goldschmidt believe the team's continuity can lead to a championship.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 11:39pm

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The New York Yankees are bringing back largely the same roster from their 94-win 2025 season, with veteran stars like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton, and Paul Goldschmidt leading the way. While some fans are concerned about the team's lack of offseason changes, the players themselves are confident that 'running it back' can lead to a World Series title, as long as they put in the necessary work. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized that the team is starting fresh and that last year's results don't carry over, stressing the championship-or-bust mentality of the Yankees organization.

Why it matters

The Yankees' decision to largely keep their roster intact has drawn some criticism from fans who wanted to see more offseason moves. However, the team's veteran core believes their continuity and experience can be an asset in their quest for a championship, even as some of those stars like Judge, Stanton, and Goldschmidt are getting up there in age. This story highlights the high expectations and championship-or-bust culture within the Yankees organization.

The details

The Yankees are returning 24 of the 26 players who were on their ALDS roster last year when they were eliminated by the Blue Jays. Their veteran core includes four former MVPs - Judge, Bellinger, Stanton, and Goldschmidt - though only Goldschmidt has won the award this decade. The team also made some key deadline additions last year like Ryan McMahon, José Caballero, Amed Rosario, David Bednar, Camilo Doval, and Jake Bird, who are now more integrated into the organization. Manager Aaron Boone emphasized that the team is starting fresh and that last year's results don't carry over, stressing the championship-or-bust mentality.

  • The Yankees' pitchers, catchers, and WBC participants reported to spring training on February 11, 2026.
  • The Yankees' full squad is set to have their first full-team workout on Monday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Aaron Judge

A 34-year-old outfielder who has won the MVP award in three of the past four seasons.

Cody Bellinger

A 30-year-old outfielder who is one of the four former MVPs on the Yankees' roster.

Giancarlo Stanton

A 36-year-old outfielder who is one of the four former MVPs on the Yankees' roster.

Paul Goldschmidt

A 38-year-old first baseman who won the MVP award in 2022 and is one of the four former MVPs on the Yankees' roster.

Aaron Boone

The Yankees' manager, who emphasized that the team is starting fresh and that last year's results don't carry over.

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What they’re saying

“If we play well, it'll be a good thing. If we don't, it'll probably be the reason that it's said we don't play well. For me, the expectations of this organization, whatever players are here, are to win a championship. That needs to be the mindset.”

— Paul Goldschmidt, First Baseman (New York Post)

“We're running it back, because at the halfway point [last season], we thought we built a team that was going to go to the World Series and we still believe that wholeheartedly. So for me, I don't see a problem with running it back with four MVPs on your team.”

— Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Post)

“You're starting anew, so there's nothing you're taking with you ultimately from last year. It's all a blank slate.”

— Aaron Boone, Manager (New York Post)

What’s next

The Yankees will have their first full-squad workout on Monday, February 17, 2026 as they begin their preparations for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Yankees are banking on their veteran core and continuity to lead them to a World Series title, even as some of their stars like Judge, Stanton, and Goldschmidt are getting up there in age. The team's championship-or-bust mentality remains unchanged, as they look to build on their 94-win 2025 season and make a deep playoff run.