The New York Yankees season did not go as planned despite the Bronx Bombers looking like the team had recovered from a lengthy regular-season slump. Now, the question is what the Yankees will do next as the team aims to return to contention in 2026.
There are already plenty of MLB rumors about how the Yankees offseason will play out. Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller offered an early prediction for the team’s Opening Day lineup.
One of the major changes is the Yankees turning to a contender for some help at first base. Bleacher Report predicts that the Yankees will sign Seattle Mariners first baseman Josh Naylor. Miller noted there will be rumors about New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso, but Naylor will likely be a more affordable option.
“There will, of course, be Pete Alonso chatter as he hits free agency for a second straight winter,” Miller wrote in an October 8, 2025, story titled, “Yankees’ 2025 Free Agents, Trade Targets, Offseason Guide After ALDS Exit.” “But is slugging at first base that much of a priority for the Yankees?
“When they can probably get Josh Naylor’s comparable career on-base percentage for a fraction of the Polar Bear’s asking price?”
Potential Yankees Target 1B Josh Naylor’s Market Value in MLB Free Agency Is Projected To Be a 3-Year, $45 Million Contract
Seattle will likely aim to retain Naylor after acquiring the first baseman in a July trade with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Whether it is with the Mariners, Yankees or another MLB team, Naylor is could be headed for a raise.
Naylor is playing on a one-year, $10.9 million contract in 2025. Spotrac projects Naylor’s market value is a three-year, $45.3 million deal with MLB free agency looming.
Yankees Rumors: New York Predicted to Re-Sign Cody Bellinger
The Yankees also face decisions about re-signing some of their own key players. Outfielder Cody Bellinger has a player option for 2026 and is widely projected to hit free agency. Bleacher Report predicts the Yankees will re-sign Bellinger.
“If the Yankees are re-signing either of their free-agent outfielders, it’s likely they’ll prioritize Cody Bellinger over Trent Grisham, as the former had at least shown an aptitude for hitting prior to this season,” Miller noted.
“Bellinger also has had quite a bit of experience at first base throughout his career, and that flexibility would be fantastic as they decide how many 2026 eggs to place in the Ben Rice, Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez baskets.”
Will Aaron Boone Return as Yankees Manager?
There will be chatter about Yankees manager Aaron Boone’s future in New York. The early indications are that Boone will return as Yankees manager.
“The calls for Boone to be fired would have been much louder if they had lost to the Boston Red Sox in the Wild Card Series or been swept by the Blue Jays,” The Athletic’s Chris Kirschner and Brendan Kuty wrote in an October 8, article titled, “Three key offseason questions after Yankees’ playoff loss to Blue Jays.”
“The heat from the public should be turned down on Boone. Expect the Yankees to treat this offseason much like any other in recent history, running back their operation.”
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