New York Yankees general manager Brian Cashman has revealed a significant problem for the team.
The New York Yankees absolutely need to make some improvements this offseason if they plan on truly contending for a World Series in 2026. They finished second in the AL East to the Toronto Blue Jays this past year and were then eliminated by the Blue Jays in the ALDS.
While the Yankees have some very obvious areas in need of an upgrade, general manager Brian Cashman has exposed an issue you wouldn't normally consider. At least not up front.
Cashman arrived at the MLB Winter Meetings in Florida on Sunday, and while speaking to reporters, he noted that New York's lineup is a bit too top-heavy from one side.
"I acknowledge that we are left-handed dominant throughout our lineup, so to get more choices for our manager would be a great thing for us to do," Cashman said.
Don't fret: this does not mean the Yankees will not be retaining Cody Bellinger. In fact, Cashman used this as a pro to re-sign Bellinger, as the former NL MVP mashed left-handed pitching to the tune of a .353/.415/.601 slash line in 2025.
Cody Bellinger. Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images.The rest of the lineup, however, features lefties Ben Rice, Trent Grisham, Jazz Chisholm, Austin Wells and Ryan McMahon. Then there is Jasson Dominguez, the switch-hitting outfielder who hit just .136 against left-handers this past season.
Lineup balance has been a prominent problem for the Bronx Bombers for multiple years now, and not just because of its handedness.
While the Yankees have sluggers like Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and, in 2025, Bellinger, the bottom of the lineup included struggling hitters such as Wells, McMahon and Anthony Volpe.
For that reason, adding a bat has been widely labeled as a should-be priority of New York this offseason, although Hal Steinbrenner's payroll restrictions may prevent the Yanks from actually adding anyone if significance in that regard.
There also aren't a ton of truly compelling bats available in free agency, so perhaps the Yankees will be more apt to peruse the trade market to rectify that problem.
Arizona Diamondbacks second baseman Ketel Marte, for example, has been tabbed as a potential option for New York, although Marte — who still has six years remaining on his contract — would surely cost the Yankees a king's ransom in terms of prospect capital.
We'll see if Cashman and the front office swing any big moves at the Winter Meetings, which will run through Wednesday.