THE “STAY TUNED” SIGNAL
NEW YORK, NY—As the calendar turns toward the final days of 2025, Aaron Boone has sent a clear message to an impatient Yankees fan base: The roster you see today is not the one you will see in April. Following a “quiet” Winter Meetings that saw rivals like the Blue Jays and Orioles land superstars, Boone addressed the media with a calculated sense of calm. As of December 20, 2025, the Yankees manager maintains that while the team is currently “covered in most areas,” they are “probably not finished” as several foundational questions continue to linger.
THE BIG QUESTIONS: THE “MUST-FIX” LIST
Boone’s “unfinished” status refers to four major areas that general manager Brian Cashman is still aggressively working to resolve:
- The Bellinger Reunion: Cody Bellinger remains the Yankees’ top priority. After a massive 2025 campaign in the Bronx, Bellinger is reportedly seeking a 7-year deal, while the Yankees are holding steady at 5. Boone has been vocal about wanting “Belli” back to anchor the outfield and protect Aaron Judge.
- The Imai Pursuit: With Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón both expected to miss the start of the 2026 season due to off-season injury recoveries, the Yankees are “heavily involved” in the bidding for Japanese ace Tatsuya Imai.
- The Shortstop Void: Anthony Volpe is officially expected to miss the start of the 2026 season following shoulder surgery. This leaves a massive hole in the middle infield that Amed Rosario alone may not be able to fill.
- The “Lefty” Problem: Cashman has admitted the lineup is “too left-handed dominant.” Boone is reportedly pushing for more right-handed balance, leading to rumors of a potential trade for Jazz Chisholm Jr. or a pursuit of Munetaka Murakami (who can play 1B/3B).
BY THE NUMBERS: THE YANKEES’ CURRENT DEPTH
| Position | The Current “Status Quo” | The “Big Question” Replacement |
| Outfield | Judge, Grisham, Domínguez | Cody Bellinger or Kyle Tucker |
| Rotation | Stroman, Cortes, Schmidt | Tatsuya Imai or Freddy Peralta |
| Shortstop | Anthony Volpe (Injured) | Amed Rosario or Trade Target |
| Bullpen | Bednar, Doval, Hill | Michael Kopech or Relief Depth |
THE “GLACIAL” MARKET STRATEGY
The Yankees’ lack of movement is being described by the front office as a “strategic trudge.” Brian Cashman noted that the market is moving at “glacial speed,” allowing the Yankees to wait for the price tags on top free agents like Kyle Tucker or Michael Kopech to drop as the new year approaches.
“We can always use more fortification,” Boone said. “I don’t know exactly where the winter will take us, but we’re looking to get better. That looks different every year, but we’re not standing pat.”
THE VERDICT: THE CLOCK IS TICKING
While Boone remains optimistic, the pressure is mounting. The Blue Jays (who eliminated the Yankees in the 2025 ALDS) have already added Dylan Cease, and the Orioles have landed Pete Alonso. If Boone’s “probably not finished” doesn’t turn into a “major acquisition” by early January, the Yankees may find themselves playing catch-up in the most competitive division in baseball.
