Yankees DFA Resolutions and the Hot 2026 Outfield Market

It’s a busy stretch around Major League Baseball. The Yankees are about to formally address Cody Bellinger’s return, the Mets are waiting to see what happens with one of their infielders, and the free-agent outfield market keeps shrinking. There’s a lot swirling as Spring Training creeps closer.

Yankees Set the Stage with Cody Bellinger’s Return

The New York Yankees plan to hold a press conference soon. General manager Brian Cashman will likely discuss the team’s direction after finalizing Cody Bellinger’s five-year contract.

This signing immediately changed the Yankees’ roster outlook. Bellinger’s arrival brings both versatility and star power, but it also raises questions about how the Yankees will split up playing time in an already crowded outfield.

Cashman will probably get some tough questions about balancing veterans, role players, and those top prospects everyone keeps talking about. The Yankees’ outfield could end up as one of the deepest groups on the team—or maybe even in the league.

Sorting Out the Yankees’ Outfield Rotation

The Yankees now feature several strong outfielders: Aaron Judge, Bellinger, and Trent Grisham lead the way. Prospects like Spencer Jones and Jasson Domínguez are also pushing hard for big-league chances.

How will the club juggle innings, keep everyone healthy, and mix up defensive alignments? That’s going to be a major storyline, no doubt.

Cashman might even hint at whether the Yankees are finished making moves. Could another trade or signing happen before Spring Training? With championship hopes high, even small roster tweaks will get attention.

Mets Await Resolution on Tsung-Che Cheng

The Mets, meanwhile, have a quieter but still important roster decision brewing. Infielder Tsung-Che Cheng was designated for assignment last week to clear a 40-man spot for right-hander Luis García.

That move started the clock on Cheng’s immediate future. Today’s the day: Cheng will either clear waivers and head to the minors, or another team will claim him for infield depth.

Either way, both Cheng and the Mets will finally get some clarity.

Why Cheng Could Attract Interest

Cheng is 24 and has barely played in the big leagues, getting into just three games with Pittsburgh last season. Offensively, his Triple-A numbers—.218/.319/.280—don’t exactly pop, but there’s more to his game than the stats show.

Scouts see him as a strong defensive infielder with minor-league options left. For teams dealing with infield uncertainty or injuries, he’s a low-risk depth piece worth a look.

Outfield Free-Agent Market Continues to Shrink

With Bellinger and Harrison Bader signing, the free-agent outfield market is looking pretty thin. Teams still searching for center-field or corner outfield help now have fewer quality options.

A handful of familiar names are still unsigned, each bringing a different mix of experience, defense, and offensive upside. The value of proven veterans has definitely gone up as choices dwindle.

Veterans Still Available and Teams to Watch

There are still some notable free agents out there: Mike Tauchman, Tommy Pham, Starling Marte, and Randal Grichuk. If they’re healthy, any of these guys could easily bring some stability to a lineup.

Miguel Andújar and Austin Hays also stand out. They’re intriguing, honestly—solid all-around players who haven’t quite landed yet.

Plenty of teams could use another outfielder. Off the top of my head:

Spring Training is coming up fast, so you have to think the pressure’s building. Somebody’s bound to make a move soon—either through free agency or a trade. Should be interesting to see who jumps first.

 
Here is the source article for this story: The Opener: Yankees, DFA Resolution, Outfield Market