TAMPA, Fla. — The New York Yankees are heading into spring training with several roster decisions still unclear, particularly concerning their backup players. While the team is expected to stick with 13 pitchers and 13 position players for Opening Day, the composition of their four-man bench remains uncertain, especially the role of Oswaldo Cabrera Yankees backup options.
Key lineup spots are tentatively assigned, with first baseman Paul Goldschmidt and versatile infielder/outfielder Amed Rosario likely locked in. However, the final bench positions beyond those two are up in the air.
Question Marks Over Catcher and Outfield Roles
The team remains undecided about the catching setup, debating whether to keep Ben Rice as the second catcher alongside the starting first baseman, or to carry three catchers, including second-year receiver J.C. Escarra. Similarly, Jasson Dominguez’s role is uncertain after his promising rookie season; he could either serve as the fourth outfielder or be optioned to Triple-A for regular playing time to sharpen his defensive skills in left field.
The Yankees are aware this situation could evolve, especially since Anthony Volpe, expected to be the starting shortstop, will begin the year on the injured list.
Backing Up the Middle Infield: Cabrera and Competition
With Volpe sidelined initially, Oswaldo Cabrera, Max Schuemann, and Paul DeJong are competing for the backup middle infielder spot. Manager Aaron Boone expressed the challenge of finalizing the backup roles, stating after practice,
“With Volpe not there at the start likely, it’s what’s your backup situation? You’ve got to go home, sit there and do the math and look at the roster. You’ve got to be able to have that coverage to where you have the backup outfield or backup infielder. So how that shakes out still kind of remains to be seen.”
Boone also noted the roster could shift once Volpe returns, likely in late April or early May:
“But it could be something that evolves a little. Once you get Anthony back in the mix, for example, it could look a little different than it does maybe at the start.”
Cabrera’s Recovery Plays Key Role in Roster Decisions
Cabrera’s ability to contribute depends on his health, as he is still recovering from a fractured left ankle sustained last May. Boone initially indicated Cabrera wouldn’t immediately participate in Grapefruit League games starting Friday and was uncertain if Cabrera would be ready for the season opener on March 25 in San Francisco.
However, by midweek, signs of improvement were evident. Boone praised Cabrera’s progress, saying,
“First of all, watching Cabbie take his groundballs (Wednesday), I thought he looked really good, I feel like he’s starting to move better and better each day. So that’s encouraging.”
Other Reserve Infielders Offer Depth and Versatility
The Yankees bolstered their infield depth by acquiring Max Schuemann from the Athletics before spring training. Schuemann, a right-handed hitter, has experience playing multiple positions over two big-league seasons. While his career batting average is a modest .212 over 234 games, his speed on the basepaths and defensive capabilities make him a valuable utility player.
Boone highlighted Schuemann’s athleticism, stating,
“Schuemann is a really good athlete. He’s shown the ability to move around and really play all the positions pretty well. He runs well.”
Another contender is Paul DeJong, 32, who signed a minor-league contract after a down year with the Nationals. Despite recent struggles, DeJong boasts an impressive MLB track record, including an All-Star season in 2019 where he hit 30 home runs with 78 RBIs.
Boone pointed to DeJong’s experience and power, saying,
“DeJung’s got a ton of experience. He plays the (shortstop) position well. He’s got power.”
However, DeJong’s inclusion would require the Yankees to add him to the 40-man roster, risking exposure to waivers once Volpe returns if DeJong loses his spot.
Decisions Loom for Catching and Bench Composition
Beyond the infield competition, the Yankees have yet to decide if Ben Rice will serve as a part-time catcher or focus on first base, a position still unfamiliar to him. J.C. Escarra, who made his major league debut last year and is now competing to remain on the roster, could influence this decision.
Escarra’s path to the majors was unconventional, with previous stints driving for Uber, substitute teaching, and playing independent and Mexican league baseball before reaching the big leagues with the Yankees last season.
Escarra’s Ambition and Role in Catching Depth
Escarra aims to replicate last year’s role as Austin Wells’ backup catcher. He expressed a confident mindset, sharing,
“All those jitters, all those first time for everything … they’re out the window now. I’m a major leaguer and now it’s compete.”
Last season, Escarra played 40 games with 24 starts, hitting .202 with two homers and 11 RBIs. He believes his experience has made him a better hitter:
“I thought I did well and it’s only going to get better from there, I think I can be a better hitter from the experience and knowing the pitchers around the league. I’m a lot more confident this year. I can help the team.”
Bench Battle Reflects High Stakes for Yankees’ Roster Depth
The Yankees face a tense and competitive battle to finalize their bench, with several players vying for limited backup roles. Cabrera’s health and readiness will be crucial to the team’s middle infield depth early in the season, especially with Volpe’s delayed start.
Meanwhile, utility players like Schuemann and DeJong offer valuable versatility, but roster constraints complicate decisions. The catching corps also remains a fluid situation, hinging on Escarra’s consistency and Rice’s positional focus.
As spring training advances, the Yankees’ coaching staff, led by Aaron Boone, will need to weigh players’ performances and health carefully, all under pressure to configure a balanced and effective roster that can navigate the long 2026 campaign.
