Competition Hits Full Speed
The Yankees opened camp with a sharper edge, and the early days from Feb. 12–16 delivered exactly what the front office wanted: real competition. Coaches pushed tempo, players attacked reps, and the depth chart started to take shape. Beat writers across New York agreed that this camp feels more urgent than the last two seasons, and the battles reflect that tone.
The Yankees didn’t overhaul the roster this winter, but they fortified it. Now those additions collide with internal options, creating one of the most competitive camps the team has seen in years.
Rotation Spots Up for Grabs
Behind Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortes, the rotation picture remains fluid. Early bullpens showed crisp work from Clarke Schmidt, who arrived determined to reclaim a full‑time role after an uneven 2025. His fastball carried more life, and his cutter landed with intent.
Luis Gil also jumped into the mix. Reporters noted his improved command and a more controlled delivery, a key focus after last year’s inconsistency. The Yankees want swing‑and‑miss depth, and Gil’s early work delivered exactly that.
Rookie right‑hander Will Warren turned heads with sharper breaking stuff and a more aggressive mound presence. He knows the door is open, and he’s pitching like it.
Bullpen Hierarchy Still Forming
The bullpen remains a puzzle. Clay Holmes anchors the ninth, but everything behind him stays wide open. Jonathan Loáisiga looked healthy and explosive in his first sessions, a welcome sight after multiple injury‑hit seasons. His sinker jumped, and hitters struggled to square him up.
Newcomer Yerry De Los Santos impressed with a heavy fastball and a confident approach. Beat writers highlighted how quickly he blended into the group.
The Yankees want multiple late‑inning options, and early signs suggest they’ll have them.
Position‑Player Depth Tightens
The bench battle may be the most competitive storyline of camp. Oswaldo Cabrera arrived with renewed energy and sharper defensive work. His versatility keeps him in the mix, but he faces pressure from younger players pushing hard.
Outfielder Spencer Jones continued to flash big‑league tools. His power, speed, and improved plate discipline earned praise from coaches and reporters. While he may not break camp with the team, he’s forcing the Yankees to keep him close.
Backup catcher remains unsettled, with Ben Rortvedt and Carlos Narvaez both showing strong early work. The Yankees want steadier offense from the position, and both players know it.
Bottom Line: Depth Is a Strength Again
From Feb. 12–16, the Yankees showed a camp defined by urgency and competition. Rotation battles tightened, bullpen roles sharpened, and position‑player fights intensified. The Yankees wanted depth to push the roster forward, and early signs show that pressure working exactly as intended.
