Yankees’ Aaron Judge talks big ALDS Game 3 home run vs Blue Jays
After Aaron Judge tagged a massive a game-tying three-run home run, he discussed the effort in the Yankees’ ALDS Game 3 win over the Blue Jays.
NEW YORK – Among the New York Yankees‘ controllable players, this could be an interesting and pivotal offseason for several of them in the 23-28 age range.
After either down-trending 2025 seasons, arbitration status or the front office’s blueprint for 2026, five Yankees in particular enter the winter with questions regarding their future status.
Here’s a look at all five players:
Anthony Volpe: Is his job at shortstop secure?
Late last Wednesday night, following the Yankees’ Division Series elimination, Volpe quietly said, “It’s brutal. I’m kind of in shock.’’
It was a truly bitter 2025 ending for Volpe, finishing 0-for-13 in the ALDS with 11 strikeouts and sending the third-year Yankees shortstop into an uncertain winter.
Over his last 85 regular-season games, Volpe batted .180 with a .572 OPS and 82 strikeouts in 294 at-bats, and it was later revealed that he played with a small left labrum tear (since May 4).
Defensively, it was a step back for Volpe, who tied for the AL lead in errors (19), adding to the uncertainty about his pinstriped future at the position.
2026 outlook: Given the vocal support of his manager and GM, Volpe will arrive in spring training as the incumbent shortstop, but there should be no guarantees about the position.
Jose Caballero could challenge Volpe for the starting job in camp, with a healthy Oswaldo Cabrera (left ankle fracture) as both a shortstop candidate and someone who could fill a utility role.
Jasson Dominguez: How does he fit in Yankees’ plans?
Dominguez will be entering his age 23 season, but it seems as if he’s already at a career crossroads in pinstripes.
Untrusted defensively and as a right-handed hitter (and given Trent Grisham’s ascension), the switch-hitting Dominguez started just 29 games after the All-Star break.
A natural center fielder, Dominguez struggled initially as a left fielder and his occasional decision lapses didn’t help matters, nor did a .204 average/.569 OPS vs. lefty pitching.
In the Yankees’ seven postseason games, Dominguez saw one plate appearance – the final inning of Toronto’s AL Division Series clincher.
2026 outlook: Grisham and Cody Bellinger are free agents, and the loss of one would create a starting opportunity for Dominguez. Would you trust him in center field, where he’s more comfortable?
Dominguez might be destined to start only against right-handers, given the organization’s lack of trust in his right-handed swing. And what’s his status if lefty-hitting slugging center fielder Spencer Jones has a big spring?
Camilo Doval: What role does he have in 2026?
Since his arrival at MLB’s trade deadline, the right-hander’s electric stuff was apparent, but command issues plagued his 22 regular-season games in pinstripes.
Admitting it was a tough transition from San Francisco Giants’ closer to a varied setup role, Doval posted a 4.82 ERA with 11 walks and 22 strikeouts in 18.2 innings with the Yanks.
And he’s not going to close games in the Bronx with a healthy David Bednar here through 2026.
2026 outlook: Doval is under team control through the 2027 season, with an arbitration-estimated 2026 salary at $6.6 million, per MLBTradeRumors.com.
It wouldn’t be surprising to hear Doval discussed in trades with teams seeking a closer as the Yanks further look to remake a bullpen that stands to lose free agents Devin Williams and Luke Weaver.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.: How will his free-agent walk year play out?
Perhaps no Yankee is more capable of soaring highs, and confounding lows, as their uber-talented, lefty-hitting second baseman.
Despite another season dotted by injuries (oblique, groin), Chisholm became just the third player in franchise history to register a 30-homer, 30-stolen base year.
2026 outlook: Entering his free-agent walk year in 2026, at age 28, the Yankees are also faced with whether to explore a contract extension or a trade involving Chisholm this offseason.
More likely, Chisholm plays out 2026 in pinstripes and gets to free agency, with Yankees’ top prospect, shortstop George Lombard Jr., potentially ready in 2027 (which could also impact Volpe, positionally or otherwise).
Austin Wells: How much will a decline in offense hurt him?
There was an offensive regression in the lefty-hitting catcher’s second full MLB season.
Wells posted a below average OPS-plus (95) and his on-base percentage tumbled 47 points (.275 in 448 plate appearances) as his strikeouts increased.
Moving through the minor league system as an offense-first catcher, Wells’ defense and handling of a pitching staff now draws higher marks than his inconsistent hitting.
2026 outlook: Recently, the Yankees have spent lots of catching prospect capital in trades. What they could use is a veteran right-handed hitting complement to Wells, especially if Ben Rice projects as the regular first baseman.