Brian Cashman sounds off on critics of Yankees’ offseason

Recently, the New York Yankees made headlines by re-signing star Cody Bellinger in free agency to a lucrative contract, ending what had been a months-long saga. Still, despite that signing, many Yankees fans have been underwhelmed with the team’s direction this offseason, with some noting that it’s a similar roster to the one from last year.

That team lost in the ALDS to the eventual AL champion Toronto Blue Jays in a largely uncompetitive series, but recently, Yankees general manager Brian Cashman fired back at critics of the team’s offseason strategy so far in 2025-26.

“It’s not the same roster,” Cashman said, per Brian Murphy of MLB.com. “I disagree it’s the same team running it back. … Not afraid to run with the quality and talented roster of players that we do have. I think we’ve been consistent with that throughout the entire winter. I’ve been openly willing to challenge anybody that [says] we don’t have a championship-caliber roster and team.”

The Yankees made it to the World Series in 2024 before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and then swung out on bringing back superstar Juan Soto in free agency, who took his talents to the crosstown rival New York Mets.

Cashman also spoke on the growing level of comfort that some of last year’s trade acquisitions, including David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Jake Bird, should enjoy now that they’ve had a full offseason with the team.