The New York Yankees have work to do this offseason. They fell short of their World Series goal once again in 2026 — New York hasn't won the Fall Classic since 2009. Part of the battle in 2027 will be to keep Aaron Judge on the field. Judge's injury concerns played a role in the Yankees getting eliminated from the postseason in the American League Division Series. Even if Judge doesn't miss a single game next year, however, the Yankees' roster still needs some upgrades.
General manager Brian Cashman recently revealed the team's “biggest priority” this offseason as MLB free agency gets underway.
“(The bullpen) is our main priority to be quite honest,” Cashman said, via MLB Network Radio. “With the vacancies currently, (David) Bednar is sitting on a qualifying offer but he's still a free agent, so he's not ours… We got our work to do. And because of that, I am casting a wide net, but that net's not that wide because leverage relievers, there's not as many you can materialize off the free agent market or acquire too easily off the trade markets.
“But we are asking around and we need to find some stuff so we can feel good about it and sleep at night.”
Article Continues BelowThe Yankees are already being linked to multiple relievers in free agency. Cashman's admission will turn up the heat on the free agency and trade rumors.
New York would benefit from upgrading the lineup as well. The starting rotation should be alright. For now, the bullpen is clearly the “main priority” as Cashman looks to lead the Yankees back to the World Series.