3 questions facing the New York Yankees this offseason

Another year, and another disappointing ending for the New York Yankees.

The Yankees fought through injuries throughout their roster to reach the postseason. They made short work of the Red Sox in the wild-card round before being swept by the Rays in the ALDS as they were unable to overcome the losses of outfielder Aaron Judge and designated hitter Giancarlo Stanton.

The Yankees head into the offseason in a familiar spot. The roster is good enough to reach the postseason, but has significant holes. Age and health continue to be significant factors. And yet, it may be business as usual in the Bronx this offseason.

Three questions facing the New York Yankees

1. Can the Yankees find a way to stop being so dependent on Aaron Judge?

The Yankees had one of the best lineups in baseball through May 31, hitting a major league-leading 86 homers and were second with a .770 OPS. However, after Judge was sidelined with a stress fracture in his first rib following that game, the Yankees mustered a disappointing .671 OPS, 27th in the majors, despite hitting placing fifth with 135 home runs.

Part of the solution may already be on the roster. First baseman Ben Rice had a strong showing in 2026, posting a .264/.363/.534 batting line with 41 homers in his 667 plate appearances. Outfielder Cody Bellinger is a solid complementary piece. However, Judge will be 35 years old in 2027 and may not be able to be counted on to remain healthy going forward. The Yankees need at least one more impact bat to help mitigate their reliance on Judge.

2. What is Anthony Volpe's future with the Yankees?

Volpe had seemingly played his last game with the Yankees when he was sent to Triple-A following the trade deadline. He had produced a disappointing .240/.335/.332 batting line in his 194 plate appearances, hitting only one home run and nine doubles. Volpe thought his time with the Yankees was over as well, saying he thought he "would never be back up here" when he was recalled on Sept. 10.

Volpe was solid in his 14 games following his promotion, producing a .265/.308/.388 batting line with a home run and three doubles in 52 plate appearances. He was capable enough at second base that he could be the frontrunner at the position heading into the offseason. However, if he is unable to build off of his momentum to end the season, Volpe may not get another chance.

3. Is it Teruaki Sato or bust for the Yankees at third?

Infielder Ryan McMahon was acquired ahead of the 2025 MLB trade deadline to be the answer at third base. While he struggled offensively following the trade, his elite defense ensured he would remain in the lineup. His offense and defense cratered in 2026 as he produced a disappointing .213/.279/.357 batting line with 11 homers and 14 doubles in his 360 plate appearances while costing the Yankees three runs at the hot corner.

Free agency may not offer much in the way of an upgrade. However, the Hanshin Tigers have made Sato available. Sato won the Japanese Triple Crown in 2026 and could be the impact bat the Yankees need. They have been linked to Sato but will have plenty of competition for his services. If Sato signs elsewhere, the Yankees may have no choice but to hope McMahon can rediscover his form at the plate and in the field.