The annual general managers’ meetings held in Las Vegas this year concluded with little news, as significant moves are often rare during this event. However, these meetings typically signal the beginning of offseason strategies for teams, allowing insights into their priorities moving forward.
For the New York Yankees, there are key takeaways from this year’s gatherings. First and foremost, re-signing Cody Bellinger tops the team’s priority list. Yankees GM Brian Cashman expressed a strong desire to retain Bellinger, stating, “We’d love to have him back with us. We would be better served if we could retain him.” The competition for Bellinger, however, is expected to be fierce, with several high-spending teams like the Mets, Dodgers, and Phillies also in pursuit of outfield help. Bellinger, who had an impressive lefty swing that thrived at Yankee Stadium, enjoyed a successful 2025 season in the Bronx, but his future remains uncertain as contract negotiations loom. His agent, Scott Boras, emphasized the strong fit Bellinger had with the Yankees.
Another significant update is the expected role of first baseman Ben Rice in the 2026 season. Cashman confirmed Rice is likely to be a starter, following a breakout season where he showcased his potential with 26 home runs. Although originally drafted as a catcher, Rice has been honing his skills at first base, benefiting from mentorship under four-time Gold Glove winner Paul Goldschmidt. Rice’s impressive performance has made him a trade target for other teams, and Cashman will likely face inquiries about his availability this offseason.
Lastly, Cashman revealed uncertainty regarding the team’s payroll for the upcoming season. Steinbrenner has previously commented on the unsustainability of a $300 million-plus payroll, which the Yankees have exceeded in recent years. Current estimates place the Yankees’ payroll for 2026 between $240 million and $260 million, but with essential needs to address, including the potential re-signing of Bellinger and exploration of starting pitching and reliever markets, navigating financial constraints will be a significant challenge.
The Yankees find themselves at a pivotal moment as they strategize for the offseason, which will ultimately shape their competitiveness in the coming season.