The New York Yankees have made a series of roster moves that suggest a change in their bullpen plans for 2026. By non-tendering Mark Leiter Jr. and Scott Effross, and releasing Ian Hamilton, Jake Cousins, and Michael Arias, the Yankees opened five spots on their 40-man roster.
They kept Clarke Schmidt and Oswaldo Cabrera, tendering contracts to both. These decisions came down to performance and, honestly, the money—it’s really about reshaping the pitching staff with new faces.
Yankees Clear Bullpen Space with Non-Tender Decisions
The biggest headlines? Mark Leiter Jr. and Scott Effross. Both were supposed to be key bullpen arms for years.
Leiter’s projected $3 million arbitration number made him the priciest of the bunch. His 2025 season was rocky, with a 4.84 ERA and a month lost to injury. Even though some stats looked okay, his strikeout rate dropped from 2024, and that’s hard to ignore if you’re planning for the future.
Effross just couldn’t stay healthy. After coming over from the Cubs for Hayden Wesneski, Effross only managed 27 appearances in four years. That’s just not enough to justify keeping his spot, no matter how you slice it.
The Financial Angle Behind the Moves
Altogether, the four arbitration-eligible pitchers would’ve cost the Yankees about $5.5 million in 2026. Clearing out those salaries gives the team some breathing room to look for more dependable arms, whether through trades or free agency.
General manager Brian Cashman insists the team’s finances are fine, but cutting these contracts gets rid of question marks—especially with guys who’ve been hurt or up and down on the mound.
Additional Roster Releases
Besides Leiter and Effross, the Yankees let go of Ian Hamilton, Jake Cousins, and Michael Arias. Each move had its own logic:
- Ian Hamilton: After two good years out of the pen, Hamilton struggled in 2025, so the Yankees moved on.
- Jake Cousins: He’s still rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, which is always a gamble in the near term.
- Michael Arias: Arias hasn’t pitched above Double-A, and the team wanted his roster spot open for someone ready now.
Contract Tenders: Schmidt and Cabrera Stay
In the middle of all these changes, the Yankees kept Clarke Schmidt and Oswaldo Cabrera. Schmidt’s become a steady starter, and Cabrera’s versatility in the field keeps him valuable.
Their contracts show the Yankees trust them to keep contributing.
Impact on the Yankees’ Offseason Strategy
Now, with five open spots on the 40-man, the Yankees have room to get creative this offseason. That kind of flexibility matters, especially if you’re chasing a playoff spot in the AL East.
Cashman says the front office is already working the phones. Whether they chase high-strikeout relievers or arms who can shift roles, the Yankees want to patch up the weak spots from 2025.
Grisham’s Qualifying Offer Adds Offensive Firepower
On the offensive side, Trent Grisham accepted a $22.025 million qualifying offer for 2026. He hit 34 homers last year and finally broke out, giving the Yankees a steady bat and solid defense in center.
Having Grisham locked in helps balance out the roster moves. It’s a relief to know at least one impact hitter is sticking around.
Looking Ahead
The Yankees’ recent moves show a pretty pragmatic mix of performance evaluation and financial strategy. Letting go of pitchers like Leiter Jr. and Effross might sting, especially when you remember all the early hype, but maybe it’s time for a fresh start.
Schmidt now anchors the rotation. Cabrera brings some much-needed versatility, and Grisham’s back to cover center field. The team’s got some solid building blocks for 2026, even if there are still questions swirling.
What happens next really depends on how New York uses this new roster flexibility. Will they go after big names, pull off some sneaky trades, or just get creative with the bullpen?
Fans probably have a wild winter ahead as the front office tries to steer the Bronx Bombers back toward championship territory. It’s hard not to wonder what surprises are coming.
—
Do you want me to also create **meta descriptions and keyword suggestions** so this blog post ranks better in search engines? That would make it fully SEO-ready.
Here is the source article for this story: Yankees cut 5 relievers, including Mark Leiter Jr., in cost-saving moves
Experience Baseball History in Person
Want to walk the same grounds where baseball legends made history? Find accommodations near iconic ballparks across America and create your own baseball pilgrimage.
Check availability at hotels near: Yankee Stadium, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, Dodger Stadium
Plan your ballpark visit: Get MLB Ballpark Tickets and find accommodations nearby.
- Biographies
- Stadium Guides
- Current Baseball Players
- Current Players by Team
- Players that Retired in the 2020s
- Players that Retired in the 2010s
- Players that Retired in the 2000s
- Players that Retired in the 1990s
- Players that Retired in the 1980s
- Players that Retired in the 1970s
- Players that Retired in the 1960s
- Players that Retired in the 1950s
- Players that Retired in the 1940s
- Players that Retired in the 1930s