Spring training games have begun but some tweaks to the schedule are still possible. Joel Sherman of The New York Post reports that the Yankees are still open to adding a right-handed hitter or catcher. Sherman mentions the club’s previously reported interest in the boys Randal Grichuk, Austin Slater again Chas McCormick. Grichuk is still a free agent. Slater and McCormick are in camp with other clubs on minor league deals, Slater with the Tigers and McCormick with the Cubs.
The Yankees have a lefty-heavy lineup, with six of their regular starters swinging from that side. The right three are the players on the right Aaron is the judgedesignated hitter Giancarlo Stanton and shortstop José Caballero. The lefies are in the middle Trent Grishamleft fielder Cody Bellingerfirst baseman Ben Ricesecondary domain Jazz Chisholm Jr.the third domain Ryan McMahon and the hunter Austin Wells.
The Yanks have a few rights to fill out that group, too Paul Goldschmidt again Amed Rosario expected to be on the bench. It would be nice to add more coverage on the other side of the plate, especially with Goldschmidt only able to play first base.
Jason Domínguez he’s a shifter and could be a fourth baseman but, if he’s young, the Yankees should prioritize getting regular playing time in the minors rather than him being on the big league bench in a part-time role. He is better from the left side of the plate regardless. Oswaldo Cabrera he is a batsman but also better as a left-handed bat. It is unclear whether he will be fully recovered from last year’s ankle surgery on Opening Day. He and Domínguez both have options and could be sent to Triple-A.
The group is currently planning to have one JC Escarrathe other left, as a backup holder. He still has options, so it’s possible the Yanks could add good-swinging catcher and slugger Escarra to Triple-A. Sherman also wonders if the Yanks would be willing to ride with Rice as a backup catcher, but that seems highly unlikely with Rice slated to be the starter. There are not many free agents left in this part of the calendar. Christian Vázquez he is available and bats on the right side but he does not have any different platoon in his career.
A lot of guys are probably getting nervous as Opening Day approaches. Some players on minor league deals with other teams will not break camp, which could result in those players being released or released. Fringe roster players may end up being waived.
The Yanks may hope for that approach in the outfield. Their interest in Grichuk has yet to result in a deal. Slater and McCormick still don’t have roster spots and could become available in the coming weeks. Slater has automatic opt-outs from his contract as he was an Article XX(b) free agent, meaning he completed the previous year on the major league roster and had at least six years of service. He can go out five days before Opening Day, May 1st or June 1st. Detroit’s Opening Day is March 26th, so the exit should be March 21st.
The Tigers project a lefty-heavy outfield combination that includes Riley Greene, Places to stay in Parker Meadows again Kerry Carpenter. When the Carpenter is in the selected strike zone, switch-strike Wenceel Pérez he must enter. Slater’s right bat would fit in well there but the Tigers still have it Matt Vierling again Jahmai Jones in the list. Slater was with the Yankees briefly in 2025 but injuries prevented him from making a significant contribution.
McCormick would not have had the same exit from his deal because he was not an Article XX(b) free agent. He has less than five years of major league service. He became a free agent because he was waived by Houston at the end of the season. As a player with at least three years of service time, he had the right to become a free agent and exercised that right.
While he’s not guaranteed to be out, Sherman notes that McCormick got one in his minor league deal with the Cubs on March 21. Chicago projects first base for Ian Happ, Pete Crow-Armstrong again Seiya Suzuki. McCormick could push for a fourth outfield job but the Cubs also added Michael Conforto with a minor league deal this week, it gives McCormick more competition.
Photo courtesy of Jay Biggerstaff, Imagn Images
