The New York Yankees will have some tough roster decisions to make ahead of Opening Day.
New York has some intriguing roster battles in the bullpen as well as some final bench players. One player who appeared to have the inside track on a roster spot was All-Star infielder Paul DeJong, who signed a minor-league contract.
However, now, Yankees insider Pete Caldera of NorthJersey.com predicts DeJong will be a roster cut.
“We had added DeJong to the roster last week, due to his veteran status, infield versatility and the speculation of an extra roster spot becoming available,” Caldera wrote. “But McMahon’s ability to slide over to shortstop and Escarra’s seemingly secured roster spot has altered the equation.”
DeJong being cut comes as a bit of a surprise, as he has played well in camp. But, with New York likely to carry a backup catcher and not use Ben Rice as the backup, that could be the reason for DeJong to be cut.
The 32-year-old veteran was an All-Star in 2019 and can play shortstop and third base. But with Amed Rosario and Ryan McMahon being able to play multiple positions, DeJong is no longer needed.
Along with DeJong, Caldera also predicts Max Schuemann won’t crack the Opening Day roster.
“Boone has praised Schuemann’s superior defensive flexibility, including some outfield play, during a solid camp. He also has minor league options. Cabrera (ankle rehab) could be ready sooner than later,” Caldera added.
DeJong is hitting .188 with 2 home runs and 3 RBIs in spring training with the Yankees.
DeJong Won’t Opt-Out of Deal
Although DeJong was hoping to crack the Yankees’ Opening Day roster, he’s reportedly okay being sent down to the minor leagues.
MLB insider Joel Sherman reported on Wednesday that DeJong won’t trigger his opt-out on Thursday as he looks to make the Yankees’ Opening Day roster.
“Source: Paul DeJong does not plan to opt out of his minor league deal with the Yankees tomorrow (Thursday) as is his right as XX(b) free agent. His plan is to try to make the team. And, if not, at least begin the season at AAA,” Sherman wrote.
At this point, it does appear DeJong will be sent to Triple-A to begin the season. When his next opt-out is uncertain. But he will add some much-needed veteran depth to the infield to at least begin the season.
Aaron Boone Knows It’s Championship-or-Bust for Yankees
The Yankees enter the 2026 MLB season as one of the top teams, and manager Aaron Boone knows it’s championship-or-bust.
Boone is entering his ninth season as the Yankees manager, and he knows the pressure is on him to win.
Meanwhile, Yankees insider Brendan Kuty of The Athletic believes this could be do-or-die for Boone as the team’s manager.
“Aaron Boone is an easy guy to root for, and a good (and sometimes very good) manager who can win a lot of games for the next franchise that hires him,” Kuty wrote. “This much is also true: Boone needs to be great in 2026 and end up on a float in a ticker-tape parade. If not, it will be time to hand over Judge and friends to someone else.”
New York opens its 2026 MLB season on March 25 against the San Francisco Giants.
Yankees Predicted to Make Surprising Roster Decision on All-Star Infielder