The New York Yankees could be forced to make a cutthroat roster decision thanks to a surprising player.
The New York Yankees' roster is, for the most part, set heading into the regular season, but there appears to be one spot still up for grabs.
The final bench role.
With the Yankees now signing Randal Grichuk, things have become even more complicated in the Bronx. Grichuk could very well win the fourth outfielder job, which could put the squeeze on Oswaldo Cabrera.
That's especially considering that Max Schuemann has looked impressive in Spring Training thus far and is capable of playing a variety of positions at a high level.
Cabrera brings the same versatility to the table, but he isn't quite as good defensively as Schuemann, and it's also important to remember that Cabrera is coming off of a brutal ankle injury he suffered early last season.
The 26-year-old is a fan favorite and a terrific locker-room presence, but production matters, and Cabrera slashed just .243/.322/.308 with one home run and 11 RBI over 122 plate appearances last season. He also owns a career .641 OPS.
Not that Schuemann is a dynamo offensively. Heck, Schuemann batted just .197 with the Athletics in 2025 and owns a .212/.306/.297 slash line in two big-league campaigns.
New York Yankees utility man Oswaldo Cabrera. Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images.However, New York clearly likes Schuemann, which is why it traded for him and is giving him real playing time in the minors.
The acquisition of Grichuk may very well have been the death knell for Cabrera's chances of making the Opening Day roster.
Given Cabrera's experience playing the outfield, there is no question that he would have been the fourth outfielder if the Grichuk move didn't happen. Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones were always inevitably headed for the minor leagues to start 2026, so Cabrera's spot appeared safe.
But now, with Grichuk on board and Schuemann staking his claim in Spring Training, Cabrera is in a bit of a pickle.
Once Anthony Volpe returns at some point early in the season, things will become even more dicey for Cabrera, who will end up getting buried on the depth chart.
Of course, there is still a chance that Cabrera beats out one of Grichuk or Schuemann for a roster spot, but it isn't looking great for him at the moment.
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