[QUOTE=carlo16;20047126]Huh so teach a 23 year old to completely overhaul his swing and approach at the major league level?[/QUOTE]


Yes, You have to adjust to major league pitching or you normally would be sent down.


(Can't help it if management plays him every day and he sucks)

From ESPN

[QUOTE]Biggest offseason priority: With Bellinger almost certain to opt out after an under-the-radar 29-homer, 5-WAR season, and Grisham coming off a shocking 34-homer season, the Yankees will have not only two big hitters to replace but a hole in center field. Jasson Dominguez is not the answer there given his poor defensive metrics in left field, so there might be pressure to re-sign either Bellinger or Grisham, with Bellinger the more desirable player given that Grisham had hit under .200 in the three previous seasons. Bellinger's ability to play first base is a big plus, although Ben Rice will likely take over there on a full-time basis. Outside of Kyle Tucker, the rest of the outfield free agent class is pretty thin, however, so the Yankees will have competition for Bellinger's services.

The other option is to hand center field to Spencer Jones, the 6-foot-7 slugger who hit 35 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A. Although he also struck out 179 times in 116 games, he leaves a lot of questions as to how the bat will translate to the majors. Despite his size, he's a good athlete (he also swiped 29 bases) with the instincts to remain in center field.

The Yankees have finished seventh in the AL in runs allowed three seasons in a row. How can they improve that figure in 2026? Well, they played all of 2025 without ace Gerrit Cole after his spring training Tommy John surgery, so getting him back will help. Luis Gil, coming off his Rookie of the Year season, didn't make his first start until August. Cam Schlittler started the year in Double-A and ended it with a 2.96 ERA in 14 starts in the majors, living off 98 mph heat. Max Fried and Carlos Rodon will be back after winning 37 games, and while Clarke Schmidt had TJ surgery, Will Warren adds even more depth. The Yankees might project as the best rotation in the AL.

The bullpen obviously didn't have its best season, but the reinforcements Brian Cashman made at the trade deadline -- David Bednar, Camilo Doval, Jake Bird -- will help the depth in 2026. Still, you could see a move here, maybe re-signing Weaver, who has been a durable, valuable arm the past two years.

Offseason prediction: With most of the roster set, it shapes up as one of the least active Yankees offseasons in years. While last year the prediction was re-signing Juan Soto (a swing and a miss), let's go with re-signing Bellinger while working Jones into the lineup. With Marcus Stroman and Aaron Hicks (yes, they were still paying him) coming off the books, that's $28 million in savings. Goldschmidt made $12.5 million in 2025. DJ LeMahieu has just one year left on his bad contract. The pitching is in good shape. Jose Caballero gives them an excellent utility player who can play anywhere. Yes, it was another bitter ending for Yankees fans, and 2009 looks like a very long time ago, but the Yankees will enter 2026 among the clear favorites in the AL, especially if Cole can return to where he was before the injury.[/QUOTE]

Yeah as said previously, the roster is pretty set unless they pull off a big trade.

[QUOTE=Americards;20047144]Yes, You have to adjust to major league pitching or you normally would be sent down.


(Can't help it if management plays him every day and he sucks)[/QUOTE]

Making adjustments to pitchers throwing you a steady diet of offspeed or pitching you inside is different than a complete overhaul.

[QUOTE=carlo16;20047243]Making adjustments to pitchers throwing you a steady diet of offspeed or pitching you inside is different than a complete overhaul.[/QUOTE]

Its approach as well. He's not Judge, he shouldn't be trying to hit hr, he should focus on doubles, going other way etc. His job is to get on base for others to drive him in. He's been one of the worst hitters the last 3 years.

So are most of you guys watching the conclusion of the baseball season or did it end for you once the Yankees got knocked out. I will still watch but I really don’t have any rooting interest basically just watching to see if any players do something that helps me sell their cards.

[QUOTE=spuds1961;20047300]So are most of you guys watching the conclusion of the baseball season or did it end for you once the Yankees got knocked out. I will still watch but I really don’t have any rooting interest basically just watching to see if any players do something that helps me sell their cards.[/QUOTE]

I stand firm that I am a baseball fan first and a Yankees fan very very very close second.

I enjoy watching baseball in general when I can and will tune in for at least Dodgers-Phillies tonight.

Depends on the matchups. Tor vs Det/Sea will likely put me to sleep.

[QUOTE=Mandy1320;20047317]I stand firm that I am a baseball fan first and a Yankees fan very very very close second.

I enjoy watching baseball in general when I can and will tune in for at least Dodgers-Phillies tonight.[/QUOTE]

Pretty much the same for me. I just want to watch exciting games.

[QUOTE=JRX;20047256]Its approach as well. He's not Judge, he shouldn't be trying to hit hr, he should focus on doubles, going other way etc. His job is to get on base for others to drive him in. He's been one of the worst hitters the last 3 years.[/QUOTE]

If they’re gonna do anything with Volpes swing it’s go over tape from his amateur career and find the differences to today.

[QUOTE=JRX;20047256]Its approach as well. He's not Judge, he shouldn't be trying to hit hr, he should focus on doubles, going other way etc. His job is to get on base for others to drive him in. He's been one of the worst hitters the last 3 years.[/QUOTE]

If they’re gonna do anything with Volpes swing it’s go over tape from his amateur career and find the differences to today.

I remember Volpe always having some pop. Whether it’s changed from backspin to launch angle is another question.

[QUOTE=carlo16;20047367]If they’re gonna do anything with Volpes swing it’s go over tape from his amateur career and find the differences to today.

I remember Volpe always having some pop. Whether it’s changed from backspin to launch angle is another question.[/QUOTE]

What??? The torpedo bat made him a worse hitter?

[QUOTE=Nostalgia;20047390]What??? The torpedo bat made him a worse hitter?[/QUOTE]

Huh???

[QUOTE=spuds1961;20047300]So are most of you guys watching the conclusion of the baseball season or did it end for you once the Yankees got knocked out. I will still watch but I really don’t have any rooting interest basically just watching to see if any players do something that helps me sell their cards.[/QUOTE]I'll watch it all till the end...and hold my nose at the ensuring ALDS celebrations complete with champagne. Dumb.

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Bellinger opting out is a huge blow IMO. We'll see how they approach replacing him be it internally or through Free Agency. I know people will say they have Dominguez and Grisham they'll be fine but I don't see either of them playing everyday and they are one i jury away from having to stick Jazz back in the OF.

[QUOTE=Cracktoast;20048779]Bellinger opting out is a huge blow IMO. We'll see how they approach replacing him be it internally or through Free Agency. I know people will say they have Dominguez and Grisham they'll be fine but I don't see either of them playing everyday and they are one i jury away from having to stick Jazz back in the OF.[/QUOTE]Well, they can still re-sign him...but if they don't, it's crippling.

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[QUOTE=hxcmilkshake;20048781]Well, they can still re-sign him...but if they don't, it's crippling.

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They could but I don't know if they will pony up what he's going to command. Personally I think he goes back to the Dodgers or Cubs trade Tucker and he ends back in Chicago.

[QUOTE=Americards;20047076]Basically saying the top of the lineup should be that...
Maybe Lomard Jr comes up and plays SS.
[B]Someone just needs to teach Volpe to cut down the swing, level his swing and go the other way more often[/QUOTE]
[/B]

Bingo. I've been saying this for 2 years. Swinging like he's about ready to come out of his shoes is asinine. He obviously can't translate what he did in the minors in the majors. So you are right. He has to be more like Jeter than Judge. But I've often wondered if he refuses to change because contact hitters don't make the big $$$$. It might play a role in his thinking. Regardless, the Yankees need to tell him what his role is. Cut him loose if he can't adjust.

[QUOTE=marl1220;20048811][/B]

Bingo. I've been saying this for 2 years. Swinging like he's about ready to come out of his shoes is asinine. He obviously can't translate what he did in the minors in the majors. So you are right. He has to be more like Jeter than Judge. But I've often wondered if he refuses to change because contact hitters don't make the big $$$$. It might play a role in his thinking. Regardless, the Yankees need to tell him what his role is. Cut him loose if he can't adjust.[/QUOTE]

I believe it's one of the biggest gripes that fans such as myself have with him (or how thew Yankees have developed him). Jomboy brings it up all the time but Volpe was asked in Spring Training what changes has he made to his swing and/or approach and Volpe didn't really have an answer. He truly believed that it would just click.

Volpe cannot be on the team next year.

Volpe and Wells might be the dumbest two hitters I ever saw. Both produced in our system.

[QUOTE=ottobord;20050291]Volpe and Wells might be the dumbest two hitters I ever saw. Both produced in our system.[/QUOTE]

I'm interested to see how valuable Wells is when the ABS system is implemented.

The thing with Volpe was, as long as he provides GG defense at short, then you can excuse the lack of bat (to an extent). His defense took a dip, thus really putting a strain on the team.

If Wells becomes less valuable behind the plate, then he will need to bring his offensive value up or else he will face the same criticism.

"Analysts" have been saying that the Yankees have been a catcher factory recently but there is not one catcher in the Yankees' top 30 prospects. So looks like they need to go out and get some MLB ready depth there if Rice is expected to be the 1B.

[QUOTE=Mandy1320;20050371]I'm interested to see how valuable Wells is when the ABS system is implemented.



The thing with Volpe was, as long as he provides GG defense at short, then you can excuse the lack of bat (to an extent). His defense took a dip, thus really putting a strain on the team.



If Wells becomes less valuable behind the plate, then he will need to bring his offensive value up or else he will face the same criticism.



"Analysts" have been saying that the Yankees have been a catcher factory recently but there is not one catcher in the Yankees' top 30 prospects. So looks like they need to go out and get some MLB ready depth there if Rice is expected to be the 1B.[/QUOTE]Jesus Rodriguez may be ready. We'll see in the Spring.

But I kinda feel the opposite. Volpe needs to go, keep Wells.

I mean its pick your poison---Wells chases everything, Volpe appears overmatched.

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Wells at least has a wRC+ of 100 for his career. Volpe just sucks. Like if he was Rey Ordonez with the glove, fine, but he's not. He's not a hr hitter, just put the ball in play get on base, steal a base and score.

Wild to see Volpe go from "the next Jeter" to "one of the two dumbest hitters ever".

[QUOTE=Triple B;20050455]Wild to see Volpe go from "the next Jeter" to "one of the two dumbest hitters ever".[/QUOTE]

That was pushed so hard by the NY media. I've never heard an actual fan say that in a serious manner.