Yankees’ Top Cut Candidate Has Become Abundantly Clear

The New York Yankees are preparing for Aaron Judge’s return from a rib stress fracture, a development that would strengthen an already talented lineup but force a difficult roster decision.

When the captain is activated, someone currently on the 26-man roster will have to be optioned or designated for assignment. The most frequently mentioned name in that conversation is Amed Rosario.

Chelsea Janes of SNY recently addressed the question in a mailbag and pointed directly at the veteran infielder.

“Amed Rosario feels like the likeliest choice, but even in a difficult offensive season, he maintains the Yankees’ confidence as a right-handed option off the bench. But in the postseason, Paul Goldschmidt can fill that role, even if it means pinch-hitting for someone in another infield position: The proven positional versatility of Jose Caballero and the theoretical versatility of Luis Garcia Jr. allow for creativity,” Janes wrote.

Rosario’s numbers this year have been modest. In 223 plate appearances he is hitting .238 with a .283 on-base percentage and a .422 slugging percentage, along with 10 home runs and 31 RBI.

Those figures do not jump off the page, yet he has delivered timely hits and remains a well-liked presence in the clubhouse. The Yankees originally brought him back because of his reputation as a left-handed-pitching specialist. That reputation has not held up.

Rosario has posted an .874 OPS against right-handers and only a .614 OPS against left-handers. Ironically enough, his slash line versus righties sits at a terrific .306/.346/.528.

The problem is that the Yankees already addressed their need for a lefty-masher when they acquired Heliot Ramos at the trade deadline. Combined with Rosario’s defensive limitations, the addition of Ramos reduces the need for another right-handed bat off the bench.

Manager Aaron Boone could simply give Jose Caballero extra starts at third base on days Ryan McMahon sits. Sending Spencer Jones back to Triple-A is another theoretical option, but Jones has been swinging the bat well enough that the club would prefer to keep him around.

Rosario first arrived in the Bronx before the 2025 deadline and has produced a .716 OPS as a part-time player since then. That production was useful during the regular season.

With October approaching and Judge’s bat about to rejoin the lineup, it may no longer be enough to guarantee him a spot.

The Yankees will weigh clubhouse value and occasional power against roster flexibility and defensive reliability. All signs currently point toward Rosario being the player who makes room for the captain’s return.