TAMPA, Fla. – Just a week-plus into Yankees spring training, you can already see some trends developing.
A couple of big arms are drawing attention in camp, and there are questions about last year’s Opening Day left fielder starting 2026 in the minors, and the runback of an all-lefty-hitting catching corps.
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Based on the early returns, here are three predictions for what could happen within the next five weeks:
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) and teammates workout during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) and teammates workout during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Tim Hill (41) works out during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) works out during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) talks with right fielder Aaron Judge (99), shortstop Jose Caballero (72), second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) and third baseman Amed Rosario (14) during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Yerry de Los Santos (73) works out during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried (54) works out during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Max Fried (54) works out during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees balls and bags lay on the field during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) during live batting practice during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Luis Gil (81) throws a pitch during live batting practice during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 12, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view during live batting practice during spring training workouts at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Carlos Rodon (55) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero (72) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Angel Chivilli (57) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a bullpen session during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA;New York Yankees pitcher Camilo Doval (75) throws a bullpen session during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole (45) throws a bullpen session during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees first baseman Paul Goldschmidt (48), right fielder Aaron Judge (99) an teammates workout during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees fans and kids watch live batting practice during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells (28) works out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) hits during live batting practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) during live batting practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees pitcher David Bednar (53) throws a pitch during live batting practice at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 13, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) bats as heworks out during spring training practices at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe (11) warms up during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) warms up during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Ben Rice (22) warms up during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Anthony Volpe (11) and infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) take a break during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) fields a ground ball during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) watches players workout during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) and outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) run the bases during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham (12) watches a teammate run a drill during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees prepare for a drill during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Amed Rosario (14) takes a break during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera (95) prepares for a drill during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) prepares for a drill during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankee fans watch batting practice during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees fans during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) watches batting practice during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) watches batting practice during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge (99) watches batting practice during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees players take batting practice during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone (17) talks with outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
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Yankees spring training 2026 photos from Tampa
Feb 16, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; New York Yankees outfielder Giancarlo Stanton (27) prepares for batting practice during spring training at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images
Elmer Rodriguez, Carlos Lagrange impact 2026 Yankees roster
If there’s a need, it wouldn’t be surprising for either right-handed pitcher to debut with the Yankees at some point in 2026.
And especially with Rodriguez, who is on the 40-man roster, a top-notch minor-league performance could force the Yankees into a big-league promotion.
Cam Schlittler began the 2025 season at Class AA Somerset and made just five Triple-A starts before the Yankees summoned him to fill a rotation need.
Already, manager Aaron Boone is “a big fan’’ of E-Rod. “He’s another guy that I think has a really, really bright future as a starting pitcher.’’
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And so far, Lagrange has created a major buzz in camp, and his recent live BP battle against Aaron Judge – yielding a homer, then striking out the captain on a 102.6-mph fastball – was must-see stuff.
“He’s impressive… he’s going to be special,’’ Judge said of the 6-foot-7, 248-pound Lagrange, who turns 23 in May. “Excited about him, excited about his stuff.’’
Boone likened Lagrange to Freddy Garcia in his prime and former Yankees reliever Dellin Betances as a big right-hander with a downhill tilt to his delivery, making him extra tough on righty hitters.
Beyond the big fastball, “really good changeup’’ and two different sliders, Lagrange also draws raves about his makeup, according to Boone.
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“He’s a leader, takes initiative. He’s got a lot of the intangibles as well as the talent.’’
Jasson Dominguez begins 2026 in the minors
New York Yankees left fielder Jasson Dominguez (24) shakes hands with New York Mets right fielder Juan Soto (22) after the top of the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium.
Yankees GM Brian Cashman recently said to “wait and see how the spring shakes out’’ regarding Jasson Dominguez making the 26-man roster.
At this point, it might take an injury to a current outfielder for Dominguez to begin 2026 in the big leagues.
Roster-wise, the Yankees need a spot for utility man Oswaldo Cabrera, assuming he’s ready to start on time after last year’s devastating ankle fracture.
Boone suggested that Cabrera would be delayed as the exhibition season begins Friday, part of the “stay tuned’’ spring training roster stuff that could potentially impact Dominguez.
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But right now, Dominguez is an extra outfielder at best, and he might be better served playing daily at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre than occasionally in the Bronx.
Cashman suggested as much last week, and Yankees personnel have often referenced the switch-hitting Dominguez’s limited pro playing experience when discussing his defensive issues and poor production from the right side.
Dominguez, who just turned 23, missed significant time in 2024 due to recovery from Tommy John surgery and he’s had just 529 MLB plate appearances since 2023.
Yankees trade for right-handed hitting catcher
Apr 3, 2025; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra (25) doubles during the seventh inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
One of the oddities of the Yankees’ runback is not having a right-handed hitting catcher on their active roster.
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Starting catcher Austin Wells, backup J.C. Escarra and regular first baseman/third catcher Ben Rice are all lefty hitters, the same dynamic as in 2025, when the Yanks had zero righty at-bats from the position.
Currently, the Yankees have four right-handed hitting non-roster catchers in camp.
Of that quartet, only Ali Sanchez (50 games) and Payton Henry (20 games) have big-league experience, with Henry last having played in the majors for the 2022 Miami Marlins.
In recent years, the Yankees have traded right-handed hitting catching capital, including the moves of Carlos Narvaez to Boston (for Elmer Rodriguez) and Agustin Ramirez to Miami (for Jazz Chisholm Jr.).
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Cashman might seek to balance the Yankees behind the plate prior to Opening Day, with the potential for viable candidates from other clubs being caught in a roster crunch as spring training ends.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Yankees spring training 2026 bold predictions to watch