Yankees Shock Fans by Cutting Five Players — Could This Signal a Major Roster Overhaul?

Friday’s MLB arbitration deadline is looming large, and the Yankees have quite the roster puzzle to solve. Fourteen players stand at the crossroads—either getting tendered a contract or shown the exit door. Big names, bullpen arms, and bench contributors all hang in the balance. What Brian Cashman and his front office decide in the next few hours won’t just shape the 2026 roster; it’ll dictate who walks away as a free agent, and who sticks around to fight for the pinstripes next season. And hey, even those offered contracts might have to duke it out in arbitration to settle on their paychecks. Of course, the Yanks could always skip the whole arbitration rigmarole if both sides see eye to eye before the deadline. So, buckle up — there’s a lot to unpack with Yankees’ arbitration moves and tender decisions just ahead. LEARN MORE

Friday is MLB’s arbitration deadline and the Yankees have quite a few players who are eligible.

There are 14 players whom the Yankees have to either tender or non-tender, which includes some big names, and pieces in the bullpen and bench. What GM Brian Cashman and the organization decide on Friday will determine who will become a free agent and who will be staying for 2026. Also, those who do get tendered could go to arbitration to determine their salary for the upcoming season.

Of course, the Yankees could do away with the arbitration process if they and the player agree to a deal.

Here’s all the arbitration and tender news from the Yankees…

Nov. 21, 5:55 p.m.

The Yankees non-tendered five players, most from the bullpen. Mark Leiter Jr., Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross and Jake Cousins were not given contracts for the 2026 season. Of course, the team could negotiate with the relievers to bring them back, but all four are now unrestricted free agents.

The other name is Michael Arias.

Arias was traded to the Yankees from the Cubs back in January for cash considerations. He made 17 appearances with Double-A Somerset, where he pitched to a 2.57 ERA.

In addition, the Yankees have tendered contracts to other eligible players, which includes: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Jose Caballero, Anthony Volpe, Luis Gil, Jake Bird, David Bednar, Camilo Doval and Fernando Cruz.

Nov. 21, 5:00 p.m.

The Yankees and starter Clarke Schmidt have agreed on a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, according to multiple reports. Schmidt and the Yankees avoid arbitration.

Schmidt had a solid 2025 for the Yanks, pitching to a 3.32 ERA across 14 starts. But after starting the season on the IL, the right-hander’s year ended in July after undergoing Tommy John surgery, the second of his career.

Nov. 21, 4:45 p.m.

The Yankees and utilityman Oswaldo Cabrera have agreed to a $1.2 million contract, avoiding arbitration, according to multiple reports.

Cabrera, who missed most of 2025 after suffering a season-ending foot injury sliding into home plate, played just 34 games this past season. During that time, he slashed .243/.322..308 with an OPS of .631. He was the team’s everyday third baseman, but could also play the outfield and around the infield.

The move makes sense, giving manager Aaron Boone a versatile bench piece for next year.