With eight players set for unrestricted free agency and a few more in possession of options, the Yankees’ roster could undergo some changes this offseason.
So could their coaching staff.
While Aaron Boone is expected back after the team’s disappointing ALDS exit — the manager signed an extension before the season — at least a few members of his staff are on expiring deals. Then there’s pitching coach Matt Blake and major league field coordinator/director of catching Tanner Swanson, who both have club options this offseason.
Blake told the Daily News that he hopes to stay put and added that he had not had any talks about an extension when he discussed the subject toward the end of August. In mid-September, Brian Cashman said there was nothing to talk about with regards to an extension because of Blake’s club option.
Blake has become an instrumental part of the Yankees’ pitching department since taking his current job in 2019 and is considered one of the top pitching coaches in the game, especially when it comes to maximizing diamond-in-the-rough-type finds.
The Bombers’ 2025 bullpen had more star power than Blake has been accustomed to, as the team boasted four experienced closers in David Bednar, Devin Williams, Luke Weaver and Camilo Doval by season’s end. However, the unit struggled — Williams and Weaver were awful at times but dominant at others — as Yankees relievers combined for a 4.37 ERA. That ranked 23rd in the majors.
While injuries also ravaged the group, that number was actually worse after Bednar and Doval were acquired at the trade deadline, as the bullpen’s 4.74 ERA since Aug. 1 ranked 26th.
Blake has gotten more out of much less in the past relief-wise, but he also oversaw a rotation that finished fourth with a 3.61 ERA. That was without Gerrit Cole throwing a single pitch, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil missing significant time, and typically uncompetitive pitchers like Carlos Carrasco, Marcus Stroman and Allan Winans combining for 16 starts.
Carlos Rodón enjoyed his best season as a Yankee, while Will Warren made 33 starts and showed encouraging signs as a rookie. Then there was Cam Schlittler, another rookie, who rocketed through the team’s farm system, posted a 2.96 ERA over his first 14 MLB starts, and became a postseason hero with his epic outing in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series.
Swanson has also earned a respected reputation, as the Yankees’ catching development has flourished since he joined the organization in 2019.
This year, Swanson assisted Austin Wells’ continued growth behind the plate; he finished third with 11 Catcher Framing Runs and continued to earn rave reviews from the Yankees’ pitching staff.
Ben Rice, meanwhile, got to a point where he was ready to catch meaningful games down the stretch with Swanson’s help, as he spent most of the first half DH’ing and playing first. The Yankees also carried J.C. Escarra, one of the best framers in baseball, as a backup throughout the season.
With plenty of depth to spare, the Yankees have been able to trade several catchers for other pieces over the last few years, including, but not limited to, Jose Trevino, Carlos Narváez, Ben Rortvedt, Agustín Ramírez, Rafael Flores and Kyle Higashioka.
AP
Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus. (AP)
Speaking of catchers, former big league backstop turned Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus is set for free agency. He took over his current role after Mets manager Carlos Mendoza left the Yanks prior to the 2024 season.
A former manager with the Tigers and Angels, Ausmus was also a candidate for the Astros’ general manager position, which went to Dana Brown, before joining the Yankees. Ausmus told The News that he isn’t necessarily looking for a job that would be considered a promotion, but he wouldn’t be disinterested in such a gig, either.
“If the opportunity arises, I’ll go with it,” he said when asked if he wants to manage again. “But if it doesn’t, I’m happy.”
The Dartmouth grad added that he doesn’t consider running a front office to be a goal of his, but he’s open to an array of opportunities.
Another experienced manager, Luis Rojas, is set to hit the open market as well after four seasons as the Yankees’ third base and outfield coach.
Rojas managed multiple Mets affiliates before taking over their big league roster during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and following the ouster of Carlos Beltrán, who was dismissed before he could manage a game after being implicated in the 2017 Astros’ cheating scandal.
Rojas went 103-119 as Mets manager from 2020-2021. Ausmus went 314-332 with the Angels and Tigers. He also went 0-3 in the postseason with Detroit.
The expiration of Rojas and Ausmus’ contracts come with several managerial positions open across the sport. The Angels, Giants, Twins and Braves are all looking for new skippers, while the Orioles, Nationals and Rockies are undergoing searches that include interim managers.
As for the rest of the Yankees’ coaches, several staffers preferred not to comment on their contracts. Cashman also declined to comment on their status.
