Perspectives: Reasons To Be Optimistic
- Paul Semendinger
- 22 hours ago
- 2 min read
by Paul Semendinger
March 26, 2026
***
As the 2026 Yankees season kicks off, there are reasons to be optimistic...
Austin Wells just might , finally, have a big year with the bat. It seems he has been hurt the last few years. A healthy Wells in 2026 could be one of the best catchers in the game.
Ben Rice, by all accounts, is the real deal. I am hoping he is a Yankees star for years to come.
Jazz Chisholm just needs to play to his ability level. He plays a quality second base, hits for power, and steals bases. There's a lot to like there.
Jose Caballero is a fine shortstop who can play the position well and also steal bases. By the time Anthony Volpe is ready to play shortstop, the only open spot for him might be in Scranton or another city.
Ryan McMahon is a solid defensive third baseman. If the players who should hit, hit, the Yankees shouldn't need much offense from McMahon.
Cody Bellinger is a "plus" big leaguer with his bat and glove.
Trent Grisham just might have figured it out with his bat. His drop in defense last year might be tied to an injury of his own. If he can play great defense and hit 25 to 30 homers, that would be something!
Aaron Judge is one of the greatest.
If Giancarlo Stanton stays healthy, he will be a presence in the lineup.
If Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodon return and pitch well, the Yankees will have a stellar rotation.
Cam Schlittler could be the real deal.
Carlos Lagrange might also be.
Max Fried is the real deal.
David Bednar seems to have ice in his veins. He should be a top closer.
The Yankees have Jasson Dominguez and Spencer Jones working on becoming well-rounded players in the minor leagues. Should either, or both, fulfill their potential, the Yankees will have a great reinforcement (or two great reinforcements) waiting at Triple-A.
There are also no great powerhouse teams in the American League to get in the Yankees' way.
This just might be the year.
It just might.
Maybe.
We can hope!
Let's Go Yankees!
It was a positive start for the Yankees and I didn’t think the broadcast was awful. Could have been better but not awful (in my opinion). CC and Hunter Pence were OK and so was Matt V. Wasn’t a fan of Jameis Winston’s contributions (although I didn’t catch the pre game stuff.) Hey…I’m in Indiana, don’t have the Yes network but I do have Netflix so I will take what I have available and be grateful. Keep it up Yanks! And shake it off Captain Judge…as Catfish Hunter said “The Sun don’t shine on the same dog’s a** everyday”!
Actually, best thing is no more Netflix games. The broadcast was just awful, and please don't ask me to count the ways.
Yankees scored 7 with no Judge and no HRs.
Fried
Cole
Rodon
Schlittler
is most of a pretty good rotation
add a rookie righty....
and then they're in position to confidently go about expressing interest in a lefty to top it off.