Ryan Divish of The Seattle Times reports that the Yankees and Phillies are among the top suitors expected to pursue Arozarena this winter. With the All-Star outfielder set to command a lucrative contract on the open market, Seattle may be unwilling to match the high price tag required to re-sign him.

Along with New York and Philadelphia, Divish noted that the Boston Red Sox, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs are also monitoring the market and could make a run at the Mariners star.

As the Phillies reportedly prepare to finalize Don Mattingly’s managerial contract for the upcoming seasons, anticipation is building over where Arozarena will land. Meanwhile, the Yankees may face a roster and organizational shakeup, with fans voicing frustration over the future of manager Aaron Boone and general manager Brian Cashman heading into the 2027 MLB campaign.

Arozarena’s potential impact for prospective suitors

Despite a disappointing overall season for the Mariners, Arozarena stood out as a premier offensive anchor. He paced the American League with a career-high 113 runs scored, pairing that mark with 161 hits, 26 home runs, and an impressive .281/.381/.484 slash line (.865 OPS).

Should he land in New York, Boston, Chicago, or Philadelphia, Arozarena would immediately elevate any lineup as a dynamic offensive weapon. However, potential suitors must weigh his elite bat against his defensive limitations, as advanced metrics graded him as a below-average to replacement-level defender in left field.

If any of the interested clubs decide to pull the trigger, MLB insiders project Arozarena could land a three-year deal with an average annual value (AAV) between $18 million and $22 million.

Key takeaways

• Randy Arozarena is expected to be pursued by the Yankees and Phillies in free agency.
• Boston, the New York Mets, and Chicago are also monitoring Arozarena’s free agency market.
• MLB insiders project Arozarena could command a three-year contract worth $18 million to $22 million annually.

Only a handful of players are guaranteed to keep their spots in the lineup next season, and decisions must be made about many of them, including catcher Austin Wells, who will become arbitration-eligible in the offseason.

There may not be much of a debate to be had about Wells’ future in The Bronx, though. At least that’s what reports coming out of Yankee Stadium suggest.

According to Joel Sherman of the New York Post, the Yankees are planning to keep Wells at the starting catcher position. Whether they invest in a backup catcher who could push Wells for the starting job at some point during the 2027 MLB season is another discussion.

Austin Wells’ stats in 2026

Coming off a strong 2025 MLB season, Wells didn’t have the 2026 campaign many in The Bronx had hoped for. As a result, the arbitration-eligible catcher presents the Bronx Bombers’ front office with a question about which direction to take heading into the offseason.

Through 122 appearances in 2026, Wells recorded 334 at-bats, putting up 39 runs, 62 hits, 32 RBIs (all career lows), and 14 home runs. Moreover, Wells’ .186 batting average and .624 OPS were also the worst marks of his professional career.

Contract projection

According to SNY, Wells is projected to earn a $2.6 million contract if he reaches arbitration. Whether he actually reaches that stage or the Yankees avoid it, only time will tell.

Key takeaways

• New York Yankees planning to keep Austin Wells as starting catcher for 2027 season.
• Austin Wells recorded career-low 39 runs, 62 hits, and 32 RBIs.
• New York Yankees catcher Austin Wells projected to earn $2.6 million contract in arbitration.

According to a poll conducted by The New York Post of 11,000 Yankees fans, 85% voted for Boone to be relieved of his duties ahead of the 2027 season, while 73% want to see Cashman replaced in the front office.

Despite Cashman publicly backing Boone for 2027, questions persist as both figures enter the final year of their contracts, with reports beginning to surface regarding their long-term security in the Bronx.

With Cashman’s contract extension reportedly meeting internal resistance, the Yankees face critical roster and managerial questions to resolve if they hope to bounce back and end their postseason championship drought in 2027.

Boone and Cashman by the numbers

Boone has maintained a high level of regular-season success, compiling a 603–435 record (.581 winning percentage) while leading the franchise to six postseason appearances, three AL East division titles, and an American League Pennant in 2024.

Under Cashman’s leadership, the franchise has sustained an unprecedented 28 consecutive winning seasons while capturing four World Series championships (1998, 1999, 2000, 2009), seven American League Pennants, and 14 AL East division titles.

Though his early tenure was defined by the late-1990s dynasty, his decade-plus title drought and reliance on heavy spending have drawn heavy criticism, even after returning the Yankees to the World Series in 2024.

Potential replacements already emerging?

Despite internal continuity, reports indicate the Yankees may already be considering external options to turn the franchise around, with interim Philadelphia Phillies manager Don Mattingly emerging among the potential candidates.

Brad Ausmus, Shelley Duncan, Don Mattingly, Jorge Posada, Rocco Baldelli, Omar Lopez, and Joe Espada are among the names that could be evaluated if owner Hal Steinbrenner decides to move on from Boone.

Meanwhile, potential internal and external front-office successors have also surfaced if Cashman departs, with Damon Oppenheimer, Michael Fishman, and Jean Afterman mentioned in early reports.

Key takeaways

• New York Post poll revealed 85% of Yankee fans want Aaron Boone fired and 73% want Brian Cashman replaced.
• Aaron Boone holds a 603–435 record, while Brian Cashman has won four World Series titles.
• Potential managerial replacements include Don Mattingly, Brad Ausmus, Shelley Duncan, Jorge Posada, and Rocco Baldelli.

The Yankees managed just 12 hits across three full games against the Rays in the Division Series. By contrast, the Guardians matched that total of 12 hits before recording an out in the ninth inning of ALCS Game 1.

Those contrasting numbers highlight the offensive rut that doomed New York during the ALDS. They also underscore a surging Cleveland squad now four wins away from a World Series matchup against the winner of the Milwaukee Brewers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

Among the Yankees, Jazz Chisholm Jr. drew significant critique for his postseason performance, with former teammate Anthony Rizzo even weighing in on the slugger’s struggles. Now, with Cleveland’s offense firing on all cylinders, high expectations surround how the remainder of the ALCS will play out.

Yankees’ key contributors against the Rays

Plagued by key absences—most notably team captain Aaron Judge, who missed the postseason due to a calf strain—New York struggled to generate consistent run support against Tampa Bay’s dominant pitching staff, scoring just five runs across the entire series.

The few bright spots were led by first baseman Ben Rice and shortstop Anthony Volpe, who produced three hits apiece. Rice provided a rare power surge with two solo home runs in Game 2, while Volpe picked up an RBI double in Game 3 following a dramatic fan-interference ruling on a potential game-tying homer.

Rookie Spencer Jones added two hits, including an RBI double, while Cody Bellinger, Luis Garcia Jr., George Lombard Jr., and Austin Wells each managed a single hit throughout the series.

Guardians’ key power surge in Game 1

In stark contrast to New York’s series-long struggles against Tampa Bay, Cleveland needed just three key hitters to dictate the narrative in Game 1 of the ALCS.

Steven Kwan (1-for-3, walk-off HR, RBI, run), Jose Ramirez (1-for-3, 2-run HR, 2 RBIs, run, walk), and Lane Thomas (2-for-4, 2 singles) spearheaded the offensive spark, leading the Guardians to an emphatic series-opening victory over the Rays.

Key takeaways

• The Yankees managed only 12 total hits across three full ALDS games against Tampa Bay.
• Cleveland matched New York’s 12 hits before recording an out in the ninth inning.
• Steven Kwan, Jose Ramirez, and Lane Thomas fueled Cleveland’s Game 1 ALCS win.

Rizzo was adamant in not cutting any slack on the Yankees after another early postseason exit. Rizzo said, “That’s the thing, they don’t earn that right anymore. You can’t just walk into every spring and say it’s World Series or bust, for the Dodgers it’s World Series or bust,” not the Yankees. Rizzo held no bars unattended.

The Yankees haven’t won a World Series since 2009. After that, they’ve only got to the World Series once, in 2024, and they got a gentleman’s sweep loss in five games to the Dodgers.

Rizzo also took issue with Chisholm’s comments

After one of the worst seasons in his MLB career, Jazz Chisholm Jr. doesn’t have many fans in New York right now. Rizzo stated that Chisholm “looks like a player that’s lost.” This comes after Chisholm said he was confused about why he was being booed.

Rizzo said, “It surprises you that you were boeed? What do you mean? You’ve played there for 3+ years now, you’ve seen Volpe get ran out of town, you’ve seen Judge get boeed, you’ve seen Stanton get booed… It surprises you that you got booed, that’s not the right way to answer these questions…”

Plenty of changes could come for the NY Yankees

The Yankees have reportedly made their mind on Aaron Boone’s future as a manager. Still, plenty of names could be on the move. The fact is that the Yankees need an overhaul.

Key takeaways

• Anthony Rizzo criticized the Yankees for claiming a “World Series or bust” mentality despite no titles since 2009.
• Rizzo called out Jazz Chisholm Jr., saying he looked like a player who was lost.
• Chisholm expressed confusion over being booed by New York fans following his poor performance.

Surely, fans in The Bronx don’t want to wait around to see the count go up to 10 ringless MLB seasons under Boone. Based on the buzz coming out of Yankee Stadium, the Pinstripers will run that risk.

“The Yankees should move on from Aaron Boone. Just don’t expect them to do it,” Ian O’Connor of The Athletic wrote on his X account. “Hal Steinbrenner’s Yankees should be trying something different to get over the hump, much like the Knicks did. Much like George Steinbrenner’s Yankees did. Just don’t expect them to be bold enough to do it.”

Boone has one year left on his contract

After the loss at home to wrap up another MLB Postseason way before the fanbase wished, but right on cue for pessimistic—or realistic—fans and analysts, Boone made his pitch to stay. He might be helped by the fact that ace Cam Schlittler took the playoff exit off Boone’s shoulders, but it may not be enough.

Still, the Yankees may get to avoid making a decision right away and could kick the can down the road. After the club exercised his option for the 2025 MLB season, Boone signed a two-year extension through 2027 with the Bronx Bombers. Under that deal, Hal Steinbrenner, Brian Cashman, and company may simply choose to ride out the rest of the contract before coming face-to-face with a decision.

Such a strategy will come at a cost, but it’s clear the current brass in The Bronx has grown fond of leaving today’s problems for tomorrow. Considering Cashman weighed in on Boone’s job status with a reassuring statement, it looks imminent he will be back in the dugout next spring.

Boone’s coaching record

Going off the numbers exclusively, it’s hard to describe Boone’s tenure as manager in New York as a failure. However, he’s missing the big one, the only thing Yankees fans truly care about and that immortalizes players and managers in The Bronx.

Through nine seasons with the Yankees, Boone has guided his squads to a 790-565 record in the regular season, making for a .583 winning percentage. With him at the helm, the Yankees are virtually guaranteed to be a playoff team, but that’s about it.

Boone’s Yankees are 27-30 in the postseason. Boone is the only manager in franchise history with a losing postseason record (with more than one series appearance). In more ways than one, the proof is in the pudding, but the Bronx Bombers could still look the other way. And perhaps, they will do just that. What’s clear is that the Yankees have a long list of players becoming free agents in 2027, and Boone may fall into a similar category.

Key takeaways

• The New York Yankees were eliminated after a 4-3 loss in Game 3 of the ALDS.
• Ian O’Connor argued the Yankees should move on from Aaron Boone but likely won’t.
• Aaron Boone holds a 790-565 regular season record across nine seasons in New York.

Indeed, the Yankees’ qualifying-offer dilemma with Chisholm Jr. will only get more expensive this offseason, but there may not be a decision to make after all. Especially after the tough note on which the season ended for Jazz and the fanbase, as Chisholm Jr. lectured Yankees fans after being booed in Game 3 of the ALDS. In addition to Chisholm, there are several other players whose contracts are expiring and who will demand a firm decision from the front office.

These are all the position players currently in the Yankees organization with contracts expiring at the end of 2026: Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, Paul Goldschmidt, and Amed Rosario. All of them signed one-year deals coming into the season, though in different situations, and could all be allowed to walk by the Yankees.

Chisholm Jr. and Grisham didn’t meet expectations after signing to avoid arbitration and on a $22 million qualifying-offer deal, respectively. As for Goldschmidt, he’s 39 years old. Even after the early playoff exit, he made it clear he loves competing, but it remains to be seen if New York will have him back next spring.

Bullpen free agents

Other big free-agency storylines for the Bronx Bombers revolve around their bullpen. Going into the offseason, the Yankees have all of their starting pitchers locked in at least through 2028. The same can’t be said about their relief options, though.

According to Spotrac, the following pitchers are set to hit free agency: closer David Bednar and relievers John Schreiber, Tim Hill, Ryan Yarbrough, Paul Blackburn, and Michael Fulmer.

Aaron Boone’s future

Make no mistake, Boone isn’t a free agent. For two reasons: the main one is that he’s a manager, and managers don’t go through free agency. Secondly, he’s under contract in The Bronx. The Yankees’ manager is signed through the 2027 MLB campaign. However, he may not be able to play out the full length of his two-year extension signed back in 2025 (club option for the 2027 season).

With the Pinstripers falling short of the end goal—which is always to hoist the World Series trophy—the pressure has only mounted for Boone, and fans are asking for heads to roll. Fans may not light their torches and walk toward Yankee Stadium, but they are making themselves heard, and many want out of the Aaron Boone experience.

The Yankees aren’t obliged to, but it’s all trending toward them having to make a decision on Boone soon. And even if Cam Schlittler took the playoff elimination off Boone’s shoulders, the die may already be cast.

Key takeaways

• Jazz Chisholm Jr., Trent Grisham, Paul Goldschmidt, and Amed Rosario all have expiring contract deals in 2026.
• David Bednar, John Schreiber, Tim Hill, Ryan Yarbrough, Paul Blackburn, and Michael Fulmer are set for free agency.
• Aaron Boone remains under contract with the New York Yankees through the 2027 MLB campaign.

Needless to say, the organization will hear to what the players have to say about the fan-scrutinized manager before making a decision. If the majority of the clubhouse shares views with Schlittler, then Boone might just survive the wave of criticism actively threatening his job in New York.

“I think Boone’s been amazing. I know every guy in this locker room stands behind him. I don’t see a reason why that needs to change,” Schlittler admitted after the playoff elimination, via SNY. “He’s someone that is going to put his players first, and I think that’s very important. He’s been great to this team and to the guys in here, and we trust him.

“There’s not a single day where I haven’t trusted him or a decision he’s made. I have a great relationship with him. I’ll back him up. I hope that I’m playing here for a long time and he’s still the manager. So he might take the blame for the way we perform, but at the end of the day, it comes down to us, and the expectation needs to be a little bit better.”

Boone’s controversial decision in Game 3

Obviously, every decision ever made by Boone will be judged based on the final score. Game 3 of the ALDS was no different. Coming into the game, Boone raised eyebrows by having Trent Grisham be the leadoff batter, instead of Ben Rice who had been the team’s best batter throughout the 2026 MLB Postseason.

As fate would have it, the final at-bat of the season fell on Grisham’s lap, and there was no fairy tale ending. Grisham struckout on a swing-and-miss, and that was it. These are not easy times on the Yankees, with Jazz Chisholm Jr. lecturing fans after being booed.

Boone’s future is on the line

With the elimination sealed and the title hopes crushed, Yankees fans headed for the exits still wondering what could’ve been had it been Ben Rice at the plate in that situation. They will never know, but they can blame Boone’s decision-making for it.

Going into the offseason, it will linger, and it might be what ultimately determines Boone’s fate in the City That Never Sleeps, where fans will stay awake at night going over everything that went wrong in the sweep against the Rays. And that might be all she wrote for Boone.

Key takeaways

• Cam Schlittler voiced total support for Aaron Boone following the Yankees’ playoff elimination.
• Aaron Boone named Trent Grisham, who struck out for the final out, the leadoff batter over Ben Rice.
• The Tampa Bay Rays swept the New York Yankees to advance from the ALDS.

Based on the contract year he’s had in The Bronx, Chisholm Jr. could’ve seen it coming. Regardless, he was taken aback a bit, though not hurt by the boos. After the 4-3 loss in Game 3 and the elimination from the 2026 MLB Postseason, Jazz had a reminder for the fans: in the playoffs, teams are supposed to stay together.

“It doesn’t hurt. It’s just confusing because it’s the playoffs and we’re trying to win games. So you’re booing a guy that’s playing trying to help the team win,” Chisholm Jr. stated postgame, via SNY.

Even though Aaron Boone had let Jazz and others off the hook, the wounds from Chisholm Jr. doubling down on his costly error in Game 2 were still fresh after the Game 3 elimination, and once again, Jazz’s statement has raised eyebrows in The Bronx.

Fitting, troubled, ending for the NY Yankees

With the season on the line, the Yankees entered the ninth inning of Game 3 of the ALDS with the bottom of their batting order on deck. To many, all hope was lost as soon as Giancarlo Stanton struckout in the eighth.

The veteran making his postseason debut was the last hope for a miracle, but not even the player with the second best all-time at-bat per home run average in MLB postseason history could save the Bronx Bombers.

In the end, Chisholm Jr. and Trent Grisham (leadoff batter for the Yankees in Game 3) were the final at-bats, and they couldn’t salvage their reputation at Yankee Stadium.

Potential last game for Chisholm Jr. in NYC

There is no other way around it. Chisholm Jr. was playing for his future in The Bronx in the playoffs. His contract is expiring, the qualifying offer dilemma has only become more expensive for the Yankees, and it might essentially be all she wrote for him in New York.

At the end of the day, Yankees fans will remember Chisholm Jr. was responsible for a costly out with the season on the line. The fact he stole a base and put himself in scoring position will stay in no one’s memory of the heartbreaking Game 3 eliminating loss.

As he left Yankee Stadium for the final time in the 2026 season—possibly the last time in his MLB career—Jazz Chisholm Jr. wore Yankees apparel from head to toe. It was quite the image and sent a message loud and clear, but it may all be in vain.

Key takeaways

• Yankees fans jeered Jazz Chisholm Jr. during an out in Game 3 of the ALDS.
• New York was eliminated from the 2026 MLB Postseason following a 4-3 loss.
• Chisholm Jr. was playing on an expiring contract as his future in New York remains uncertain.

In the bottom of the sixth, Volpe crushed a drive to deep outfield that initially looked like a home run as Victor Mesa Jr. tracked it to the wall. Replay review, however, showed fan interference: a spectator reached over the wall to catch the ball directly above Mesa Jr.’s outstretched glove.

Following the review, umpires ruled the play an RBI ground-rule double rather than a home run. The call limited the Yankees to a single run on the play, denying Volpe a trip across home plate and keeping a second run off the board.

The ruling infuriated the home crowd and sparked widespread debate, given its massive implications: a home run would have tied the game late in the sixth and dramatically altered the momentum of the elimination matchup.

Volpe answers the bell despite loss

Given the nod by Boone, Volpe seized the opportunity to prove his regular-season struggles were behind him. His sharp two-way play provided the coaching staff and fanbase a clear reminder that he is built for high-stakes October baseball.

Volpe provided a crucial offensive spark for the Yankees, going 2-for-4 with an RBI and a run scored while anchoring the bottom of the order from second base. Driving the ball deep into the outfield to bring home a run, he quickly capitalized on the momentum by advancing on the basepaths and scoring himself on Spencer Jones’ subsequent double.

Still, the Yankees ended up losing 4-3, being swept by the Rays in a painful playoff elimination.

Key takeaways

• A fan reached over the outfield wall and caught Anthony Volpe’s sixth-inning drive.
• Umpires reviewed the play and ruled Volpe’s drive an RBI ground-rule double.
• Volpe finished the game 2-for-4 with an RBI and scored a run.

According to Fox Sports‘ Deesha Thosar, Cashman believes Boone remains firmly in a good spot as he navigates the final year of his contract. “I think Boone’s a really good manager,” Cashman told Thosar. “We’re here for a reason. There are a lot of reasons behind that, and certainly he’s part of that.”

Despite high expectations entering this postseason, Boone’s job security remains under intense scrutiny from a demanding fan base restless for a return to the top of the baseball world.

As Boone manages through a crucial ALDS, every roster decision and bullpen move carries immense weight for a franchise desperate to end a 17-year World Series drought.

Aaron Boone’s track record in New York

Hired in 2018 to succeed Joe Girardi, Boone immediately set a high standard in the Bronx, guiding the Yankees to back-to-back 100-win seasons in his first two years and securing three American League East division titles during his tenure.

Yet despite maintaining an elite regular-season winning percentage, Boone’s tenure has consistently been judged against the franchise’s standard of “championship or bust.” October has frequently brought heartbreak, highlighted by painful playoff exits at the hands of rivals like the Houston Astros and Boston Red Sox, as well as a low point in 2023 when New York missed the postseason altogether.

Still, by leading the Yankees back to the World Series, Boone answered lingering questions about his ability to manage deep into October. His legacy in the Bronx remains that of a modern manager who built a consistent regular-season powerhouse while bearing the immense burden of trying to deliver the franchise’s 28th World Series championship.

Key takeaways

• Brian Cashman gave Aaron Boone a vote of confidence heading into October.
• Hired in 2018, Boone led the Yankees to back-to-back 100-win seasons.
• The manager led New York back to the World Series during his tenure.