Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Who's in, Who's Out? Yankees Sorting Out Roster A Week From Opening Day

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated Mar 20, 2025 10:55 AM ET

Opening Day is right around the corner, and the Yankees still have a lot to sort out before they take the field against the Brewers on March 27. Injuries have thrown a wrench into their roster plans, leaving key spots up for grabs.

Third base remains a big question mark. Oswaldo Cabrera looks like the favorite, but Oswald Peraza, who's out of minor league options, is still in the mix despite struggling at the plate. He's hitting just .200 with one RBI this spring, but his defense could keep him around.

Pablo Reyes is another name to watch. He's hitting .400 with three RBIs and brings versatility, which might give him the edge. The Yankees have also been eyeing a right-handed upgrade at third, so there's still a chance they make a move.

The rotation battle seemed like a fight between Carlos Carrasco and Will Warren, but now it looks like both will make the team. Clarke Schmidt is expected to start the season on the injured list—not because he's hurt, but because he's only pitched once this spring and isn't fully stretched out.

The Yankees also still need right-handed power. With Giancarlo Stanton out, they don't have a clear replacement. Dom Smith, a non-roster invitee, has been one of their best hitters in camp, batting .296 with two homers and 11 RBIs, but he's a lefty.

Ben Rice looks like he’s won the DH spot, at least to start the season, but the Yankees might need another bat.

The bench is another piece of the puzzle. Reyes or Peraza will likely stay, with Trent Grisham and J.C. Escarra rounding out the roster.

The bullpen is mostly set. Devin Williams leads a group that includes Luke Weaver, Tim Hill, Fernando Cruz, Ian Hamilton, Yerry De Los Santos, Mark Leiter Jr., and Yoendrys Gómez. Leiter (back) and Hamilton (illness) aren't locks for Opening Day. Jonathan Loáisiga and Jake Cousins won't return until at least May, while Tyler Matzek (oblique) could be back in April. Colten Brewer, Geoff Hartlieb, and Rob Zastryzny are still in the mix.

With just a few days left, the Yankees have decisions to make and not much time to make them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: