The New York Yankees trusted Trent Grisham and his 129 wRC+ to be a major piece of their 2026 outfield. They liked the stability, the production, the flair, and the 34 homers. They liked that the center field question is no longer a question. Now comes the harder part: figuring out who stands to his left.

The New York Yankees have avoided arbitration with infielder Oswaldo Cabrera, guaranteeing one more player a spot on their 2026 roster. According to a post by

Mark Leiter Jr. joined the Yankees from the Cubs at the 2024 deadline. The team valued his high strikeout rate, powered by a nasty splitter, but he struggled in pinstripes, allowing 14 runs in 21.2 innings down the stretch.

The Yankees went from having three relievers in free agency to eight when they non-tendered five veteran right-handers — Mark Leiter Jr., Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross, Jake Cousins and Michael Arias. Friday was the deadline for the Yankees to tender contracts to their 15 players eligible for salary arbitration.

The Yankees agreed to one-year contracts with infielder/outfielder Oswaldo Cabrera and right-hander Clarke Schmidt on Friday, avoiding arbitration, while non-tendering five pitchers ahead of a late-afternoon deadline.

The New York Yankees have never shied away from spending, and Trent Grisham accepting the qualifying offer may not change that.

Insiders suggest the Texas Rangers might make significant moves this offseason to reduce payroll. That era already began Friday evening when the team non-tendered World Series hero Adolis Garcia and catcher Jonah Heim.

The New York Yankees cleared plenty of space on their 40-man roster Friday, cutting ties with five players at the non-tender deadline.

Anthony Volpe did not play great last season, and the New York Yankees could be interested in an upgrade this winter.