The 2026 Yankees are defined, at least so far, by continuity: the organization opted not to make a major splash this winter, with all but two members of last year’s ALDS roster returning for this year’s campaign. Even in such an inactive offseason, though, a number of players find themselves in new uniforms this season. While no truly big-ticket players have departed this winter, there has still been enough turnover for us to take our annual look throughout the league to check out old friends in their new threads.
Arguably the biggest departure of the winter was Luke Weaver. A former starting pitcher who reinvented himself as a dynamic reliever and became a fan favorite both for his fun personality and his strong performance as the closer during the Yankees’ trip to the World Series in 2024, Weaver signed a two-year, $22 million deal to join former Yankees closer Clay Holmes in Queens.
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 19: Luke Weaver #30 of the New York Mets poses for a photo during the New York Mets Photo Day at Clover Park on February 19, 2026 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) Getty Images
Of course, Weaver wasn’t the only former Yankees closer to make the trip across town this winter. Two weeks prior to Weaver’s signing, Devin Williams inked his own three-year, $51 million contract with the Mets. While very few Yankees fans will lament Williams’ departure, as he never quite got into a groove with the Bombers, this does continue a rather strange trend in recent years of the Mets targeting former Yankees in free agency.
Feb 19, 2026; Port St. Lucie, FL, USA; New York Mets pitcher Devin Williams (38) poses for a photo during media day at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
The longest-tenured Yankee to depart this winter, Jonathan Loáisiga joined the Arizona Diamondbacks on a minor league deal after his team option was declined in November. Johnny Lasagna looks to bounce back after struggling in his return from Tommy John surgery.
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 18: Pitcher Jonathan Loáisiga #43 of the Arizona Diamondbacks poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 18, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) Getty Images
Ian Hamilton joined the Atlanta Braves organization on a minor league deal after being non-tendered in November. He spent three years with the Yankees, starting with an elite 2023, a solid 2024, and a lackluster 2025.
NORTH PORT, FL – FEBRUARY 20: Ian Hamilton #71 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during the Atlanta Braves photo day at CoolToday Park on Friday, February 20, 2026 in North Port, Florida. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images
Acquired from the Chicago Cubs at the 2024 trade deadline, Mark Leiter Jr. was left off the postseason roster in 2024, then added as an injury replacement, and got critical outs as the Yankees defeated the Cleveland Guardians to punch their ticket to their first World Series since 2009. Unfortunately, that would be the highlight of his career in pinstripes. Due to his inconsistency, the Bombers opted to non-tender him this past winter, and he inked a deal with the Athletics.
MESA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 20: Pitcher Mark Leiter Jr #38 of the Athletics poses for a portrait during photo day at HoHoKam Stadium on February 20, 2026 in Mesa, Arizona. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images) Getty Images
Sensing a theme, here? The sixth Yankee reliever to depart in free agency this year, Scott Effross was supposed to be a dominant reliever with several years of team control when the Yankees acquired him from the Cubs at the 2022 trade deadline. Unfortunately, the injury bug got him, and he wound up making just 27 appearances across four seasons in pinstripes. Looking to revamp the bullpen, the Yankees non-tendered him in the winter, and he found himself in Detroit on a minor league deal.
LAKELAND, FL – FEBRUARY 17: Scott Effross #68 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo during the Detroit Tigers photo day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/MLB Photos via Getty Images) MLB Photos via Getty Images
The only non-reliever to depart this winter, Austin Slater was acquired at the trade deadline last year to give the Yankees some pop against lefties. Unfortunately, injuries limited him to just 14 appearances, and while the Yankees had some interest in bringing him back, he opted for a minor league deal with the Detroit Tigers, where he is competing for the fourth outfield spot.
LAKELAND, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 17: Austin Slater #15 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo during the Detroit Tigers Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 17, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) Getty Images
Several Yankees prospects departed this winter, most of them as a result of minor trades. These include Dillon Lewis, Dylan Jasso, and Brendan Jones, who were traded to the Marlins for Ryan Weathers, and T.J. Rumfield, who is now a Rockie.
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Dillon Lewis #91 of the Miami Marlins poses for a photo during the Miami Marlins Photo Day at Roger Dean Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) Getty Images
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Dylan Jasso #94 of the Miami Marlins poses for a photo during the Miami Marlins Photo Day at Roger Dean Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) Getty Images
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 18: Brendan Jones #89 of the Miami Marlins poses for a photo during the Miami Marlins Photo Day at Roger Dean Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images) Getty Images
SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 18: T.J. Rumfield #64 of the Colorado Rockies poses for a portrait during photo day at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick on February 18, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) Getty Images