Yankees' new faces at spring training 2026
Oakland Athletics' Seth Brown celebrates his two-run home run against the Detroit Tigers in 2022. Credit: AP/Paul Sancya
Yankees GM Brian Cashman has pushed back on the notion that his team is “running it back” in 2026 with essentially the same roster as last year’s. But there is no question the franchise has had far busier offseasons (the winter preceding 2025, for instance). Still, despite a lack of big-name acquisitions from outside the organization, that didn't mean there was no movement in adding new faces. Among them:
Ryan Weathers, LHP
Acquired from the Marlins for minor league outfielders Dillon Lewis and Brendan Jones and minor league infielders Dylan Jasso and Juan Matheus. Weathers was added to provide rotation depth — a must because starters Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, and Clarke Schmidt will all start the season on the IL — and, the Yankees hope, to serve as a multi-inning option out of the bullpen later.
Cade Winquest, RHP
Selected by the Yankees in the first round of this winter’s Rule 5 Draft from St. Louis. The Yankees' analytics group sees potential in the 25-year-old’s ability to spin the ball. As a result, Winquest, who posted a 3.99 ERA in 25 games (23 starts) in stints with High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield, will be given every opportunity to grab a roster spot in the spring.
Angel Chivilli, RHP
Acquired from the Rockies in exchange for minor league infielder T.J. Rumfield. Chivilli, who had a 7.06 ERA in 43 games last season for the Rockies and a 4.55 ERA in 30 games the season before that, is the kind of bullpen reclamation project the Yankees have had recent success with.
Paul DeJong, INF
Signed to a minor league deal. Righthanded-hitting infielder has played second, third and short in his nine-year career, making the NL All-Star team in 2019 while with the Cardinals. More organizational depth in the infield. Non-roster invitee to big-league camp.
Zack Short, INF
Signed to a minor league deal. Veteran righthanded-hitting infielder who can play second, third and short. Provides organizational infield depth. Non-roster invitee to big-league camp.
Seth Brown, OF/1B
Signed to a minor league deal in December. The lefty-swinging Brown spent the previous seven seasons with the A’s, totaling 74 homers. Organizational depth at positions of need. Non-roster invitee to big-league camp.
Max Schuemann, INF
Acquired earlier this week from the Athletics in exchange for minor league righthander Luis Burgos. The 28-year-old utility man, who was added to the 40-man roster, hit .197 in 101 games with the A’s last season, appearing defensively in games at second, third, short, leftfield, centerfield and rightfield. Additional depth for the organization.
Erik Boland started in Newsday's sports department in 2002. He covered high school and college sports, then shifted to the Jets beat. He has covered the Yankees since 2009.
