Three Yankees Poised to Bounce Back This Season

Though the New York Yankees won 96 games last season and fell just short of winning the American League East, they still had their fair share of failures. Even during the regular season, the Yankees had plenty of players who fell short of expectations. Whether it be because of injuries or mechanical errors, New York had plenty of players who will certainly wish to rectify their 2025 performances by overperforming this year. Devin Williams would be the perfect candidate for this list, but the former Yankee closer is now across the East River in Queens with the New York Mets. But without further ado, here are the Yankees’ three best bounce-back candidates for 2026.

1. Camilo Doval

When the Yankees acquired Camilo Doval from the San Francisco Giants at the trade deadline, they thought they were getting the same pitcher who led the National League in saves (39) in 2023 and had a career ERA of 3.33. Unfortunately, Doval did not live up to expectations in the Bronx, posting a 4.82 ERA and surrendering 14 runs (10 earned) across 18 2/3 regular-season innings.

From 2021-22, Doval was one of the best relievers in the NL. Now, he has to prove himself once more as a fireballing reliever who can get consistent outs and avoid losing control. The 28-year-old walked 36 batters last season, tied for the sixth-most out of all qualified major-league relievers. If Matt Blake and the Yankees’ pitching staff can help Doval get his stuff under control, then he will be one of the more feared names in the back of New York’s bullpen this year.

2. Ryan McMahon

Another trade deadline acquisition who did not necessarily adjust to the Bronx right away, Ryan McMahon has seen better days offensively speaking than he did with the Yankees last year. His OPS with them sat at a meager .641, well below his career average of .693, and he hit just four homers with 18 RBI’s. The 31-year-old is known for his defensive prowess, but the Yankees simply cannot have a third baseman who is hitting close to the Mendoza line with less than 20 home runs.

This season is the perfect time for McMahon to bounce back: there is barely any competition at third base, at least while Anthony Volpe is out and Jose Caballero is over at shortstop, and he is now better acclimated to the climate of playing in New York. Look for McMahon to have a much better campaign with the Yankees in 2026.

3. Austin Wells

It’s important to note that Austin Wells actually got much better defensively last season, ranking in the top five in many catchers’ statistics. Still, the offensive output was very disappointing, at least considering how much promise he showed near the end of 2024. Wells slashed .219/.275/.436 with 21 homers and 71 RBI’s; not bad by any means, especially for a catcher. But, considering how he came up as an offensive-catcher with, supposedly, 30-40 home-run pop, last season’s step backwards was not very comforting.

Though Ben Rice received some time behind the dish last year, he will likely be New York’s starting first baseman for most games. So, Wells definitely does not have to worry about his job, especially if he keeps up the superb defense and game-calling. But, as a former top prospect, he still holds the expectations of getting at least a little more consistent at the plate, so look for him to break out offensively this season.