The New York Yankees are going to be faced with some upcoming decisions and challenges pertaining to their roster. Currently, their outfield will be a hot topic, as contracts are ending and some players are in question.
The Yankees outfield is an extremely important part of their offensive lineup. They won’t have to worry about slugger Aaron Judge, who is locked up until 2031, putting him at age 39. Who surrounds Judge will be important.
Yankees Outfield: Returning or Not Returning?
Two significant names are lingering in the upcoming free agent market: outfielder Trent Grisham and Cody Bellinger. These two players were positive contributors for the 2025 Yankees.
Grisham put up a very good offensive season with the club this year, slashing a .235/.348/.464. The outfielder recorded 116 hits, 87 runs, 34 home runs, 74 RBIs, and 82 walks this season. His offensive production was admirable, bringing him to the lead-off spot in the postseason.
Grisham avoided arbitration this year, signing a one-year contract worth $5 million. He’s set to be a free agent at the end of the MLB season.
Bellinger is the other possible outfield loss for the Yankees. His contributions were also notable, slashing .272/.334/.480. Bellinger had 160 hits, 89 runs, 29 home runs, 98 RBIs, and 13 stolen bags. Bellinger’s left-handed stick was a huge deal for the lineup, and his glove in the outfield was reliable.
Bellinger had opted out of his player option for 2026, where he will test free agency. Do any of these two return to the Yankees? The club should consider rekindling with Bellinger, due to his proven offensive production, and his success with his left-handed bat at Yankee stadium. Consistency is the question surrounding Grisham, based solely on his postseason performance in the lead-off spot.
What are the top options for 2026?
When looking at free agency and the trade market, these two names would be within the interest level of the Yankees front office.
Kyle Tucker may be highly linked to the Los Angeles Dodgers, as most big names are. His name has crossed the Bronx pinstripes interest, and after an offensive postseason struggle, he may be worth the money.
Tucker plays all of the outfield, and hits from the left side, bringing a lot of value to any lineup. This season with the Chicago Cubs, he hit .266/.377/.464 with 22 home runs, 73 RBIs, walking almost as much as he struck out, at 87 versus 88.
Tucker is also a threat on the base pads, bringing athleticism and heads up base running. His overall package would be a solid filler if Bellinger did not return.
Cedric Mullins is the other decent option in this scenario. Mullins recorded 17 home runs, 94 hits, and 59 RBIs this season within the Baltimore Orioles and New York Mets. Mullins joined the Mets at the deadline, in hopes of assisting in a postseason run.
The outfielder would be a mid-pack, late in the order streaky hitter with the ability to put bat on ball and get on base.
Both Mullins and Tucker would suffice on the defensive end without any issues in the Bronx. Both of these players are possibilities this offseason.
Main Photo Credits: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
