TAMPA, Fla. – These aren’t exactly thrilling mysteries…
But the Yankees have a few uncertain final roster spots to decide, and “I don’t know how it’s going to shake out yet, to be honest,’’ said manager Aaron Boone.
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Down the stretch at spring training, the Yankees will sort through those answers and check a few more boxes before the March 25 opener at San Francisco.
Yankees final bullpen spot(s)
Mar 4, 2025; Clearwater, Florida, USA; New York Yankees pitcher Brent Headrick (97) throws a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies in the eighth inning during spring training at BayCare Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
There might be one or two bullpen spots available to begin the season.
David Bednar, Fernando Cruz, Camilo Doval and Tim Hill are locks, while Ryan Yarbrough and Paul Blackburn have MLB contracts.
Cade Winquest is a Rule 5 draftee who must have a big-league roster spot, or else be offered back to the St. Louis Cardinals.
That leaves relievers such as lefty Brent Headrick, Jake Bird, Kervin Castro and Angel Chivilli battling for one spot; all of them have a minor league option remaining.
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Recognizing that things could change four days into the season, Boone added that “there’s opportunity for guys to really grab’’ a bullpen spot.
Of note, Castro “has opened my eyes this spring,’’ coming off a superb minor league season.
Yankees’ decision at catcher
New York Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra (25) tags out New York Mets third baseman Brett Baty (7) trying to score on a double by Mets center fielder Tyrone Taylor (not pictured) during the seventh inning at Yankee Stadium.
For a while last season, the Yankees essentially carried one-and-half catchers, with first baseman Ben Rice as Austin Wells’ backup.
“If that’s what makes the most sense for our roster,’’ then Boone could see that design again, with J.C. Escarra starting at Triple-A.
But all of that is “still working itself out,’’ said Boone, but “there’s some appeal’’ to – at least initially – have Rice as the backup catcher.
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With veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt on the roster, “you can kind of envision a scenario where it really optimizes us to have that availability,’’ said Boone, but those conversations continue.
Through Wednesday, Rice had yet to catch in an exhibition game, but he has been catching bullpens in camp.
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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
Yankees’ extra position player
If Escarra doesn’t make the roster, that opens a wider path for a utility player.
Coming back from last year’s ankle fracture, Oswaldo Cabrera is likely to be delayed a bit. But the likes of Max Schuemann, Jonathan Ornelas and veteran Paul DeJong are in play.
“Schuemann’s versatility is really appealing,’’ said Boone, who also praised how non-roster players DeJong and Ornelas have looked.
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You might also assume that newly signed, non-roster veteran outfielder Randal Grichuk has made the club, due to his ability to hit lefties.
But nothing’s official yet, and these last few positional spots are tied to other items – such a whether to take a third catcher, or a fifth starter, or third baseman Ryan McMahon’s ability to occasionally handle shortstop.
“Those are all things we’ve got to sort out,’’ said Boone.
At-bats for Randal Grichuk, innings for Oswaldo Cabrera
Mar 6, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; New York Yankees infielder Oswaldo Cabrera (95) is congratulated after scoring a run during the second inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
As previously stated, Cabrera might not be ready to immediately start the season with the Yankees, due to his recovery from a left ankle fracture suffered last May 12.
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But he’s not far off, having made his third exhibition start on Wednesday night – this time in right field.
Cabrera’s first two starts were at shortstop and second base, and he can also handle third base, first base and left field as needed.
Meanwhile, Grichuk made his third exhibition start on Wednesday (as the left fielder, going 1-for-3 with a double in an 8-1 win against Toronto) since signing his recent minor league deal.
“If I go out and play well, I feel like there’s a path to make” the Yankees’ Opening Day roster, Grichuk said earlier this week.
If he can respond physically and show some of his career tendency toward mashing lefty pitching, “hopefully it’ll be enough.”
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NY Yankees roster decisions to make by MLB Opening Day 2026