![\"Yankees'](\"https:\/\/legacymedia.sportsplatform.io\/image\/upload\/x_92,y_72,w_1553,h_1035,c_crop\/v1730201316\/z2hn1ym71tk6h8upmyxv.jpg\")
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NEW YORK YANKEES ENTER 2026 SEASON WITH EXPECTATIONS DESPITE QUIET OFFSEASON<\/strong><\/p>\n The New York Yankees<\/em> have had a relatively quiet offseason, with general manager Brian Cashman<\/em> making some key moves but no major splashy acquisitions. The most notable additions include the re-signing of Cody Bellinger<\/em>, a trade for Ryan Weathers<\/em>, and Trent Grisham<\/em> accepting the team\u2019s qualifying offer<\/em>. However, these moves, while important, haven’t shifted the team\u2019s trajectory in a significant way.<\/p>\n After a strong 2024 season<\/em> that saw the Yankees<\/em> reach the World Series<\/em>, the team faced a tough setback in 2025<\/em>, falling to the Toronto Blue Jays<\/em> in the American League Division Series<\/em>. With high hopes for a bounce-back in 2026<\/em>, the Yankees<\/em> are looking to make a deep run in the playoffs<\/em> and possibly secure another World Series appearance<\/em>.<\/p>\n Despite the lack of big moves, MLB Network Radio\u2019s Jeff Joyce<\/em> remains optimistic about the Yankees<\/em>\u2019 potential. Joyce believes that with Gerrit Cole<\/em> and Carlos Rod\u00f3n<\/em> healthy, the Yankees<\/em> could have their best rotation in years, especially in terms of postseason potential<\/em>. “I know that everyone\u2019s down on the Yankees, but going into this season, if Cole<\/em> and Rod\u00f3n<\/em> come back healthy, they\u2019ve probably got the best rotation they\u2019ve had in a while,” Joyce said in a video posted on MLB Network Radio<\/em> on January 31.<\/p>\n He also highlighted the strength of the Yankees<\/em> lineup, pointing out that the team has more pieces around Aaron Judge<\/em> than in previous seasons. However, Joyce did express some concerns about the left side of the infield<\/em>, suggesting that the team may still need to add one more bat to truly round out the roster.<\/p>\n Regarding Cole<\/em> and Rod\u00f3n<\/em>, Brian Cashman<\/em> provided updates on their rehab protocols<\/em> during a January 28 media session. Rod\u00f3n<\/em> is expected to start the season on the injured list, with a projected return around April or May<\/em>, while Cole<\/em>, coming off Tommy John surgery<\/em> in 2025, is expected back in late May or early June<\/em>. Clarke Schmidt<\/em>, also recovering from Tommy John surgery<\/em>, could return later in the season.<\/p>\n Despite the injuries, Cashman emphasized that both pitchers are highly competitive<\/em> and eager to get back on the mound as soon as possible. “You\u2019ve got to try to slow them down and protect them from themselves because they always want to do more sooner than later,” Cashman said, acknowledging their intense drive to perform.<\/p>\n Amidst a quiet offseason, Jazz Chisholm Jr.<\/em> shared his thoughts on the Yankees<\/em>\u2019 chances heading into the 2026 season<\/em>. The Miami Marlins<\/em> star expressed confidence in the Yankees<\/em>, pointing out their strong playoff track record<\/em> over the past few years. “I think it was fine,” Chisholm said. “For me, I thought we made it to the playoffs back-to-back years. Haven\u2019t delivered to the final blow, but I feel like, at the same time, this team is really good, really confident in this team, and we trust each other a lot to go to the playoffs and go win it.”<\/p>\n Chisholm\u2019s words reflect the confidence that still surrounds the Yankees<\/em> despite the lack of dramatic moves this offseason. While they haven’t yet clinched a World Series title<\/em> in recent years, the team has remained competitive and continues to believe in its ability to contend.<\/p>\n As spring training approaches, the Yankees<\/em> enter the season with high expectations<\/em> despite a quiet offseason<\/em>. The return of Gerrit Cole<\/em> and Carlos Rod\u00f3n<\/em>, alongside the continued strength of Aaron Judge<\/em> and the lineup, gives New York<\/em> a solid foundation. However, questions about the team\u2019s infield and potential additions linger.<\/p>\n With a promising rotation, a potent lineup, and a sense of urgency after their 2025 postseason disappointment<\/em>, the Yankees<\/em> are poised for another playoff push<\/em> in 2026. The coming months will determine if they can add the final pieces needed to truly challenge for the World Series<\/em>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" NEW YORK YANKEES ENTER 2026 SEASON WITH EXPECTATIONS DESPITE QUIET OFFSEASON The New York Yankees have had a relatively quiet offseason, with general manager Brian Cashman making… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":147482,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-147479","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-mlb"],"yoast_head":"\nYANKEES REMAIN A CONTENDER DESPITE A QUIET OFFSEASON<\/h3>\n
INJURY UPDATES ON COLE AND ROD\u00d3N<\/h3>\n
JAZZ CHISHOLM JR. WEIGHS IN ON THE YANKEES’ OFFSEASON<\/h3>\n
![\"Aaron](\"https:\/\/external-preview.redd.it\/aaron-boone-shades-dodgers-post-world-series-trash-talk-i-v0-OPUy9HMnN9TyI8htJSZj0CMl-ftwMKNlA2LpEFdFejE.jpg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=e7d6f029cdcb08e87b5184136bd33771ab7715b9\")
<\/p>\nLOOKING AHEAD TO THE 2026 SEASON<\/h3>\n