Throughout their storied history, the New York Yankees have fielded one of baseball’s best teams year in and year out. 2026 is no different, as the team holds the second-best record in the American League and the fifth-best overall. They lead the majors with a 3.38 ERA, while leading the AL in home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS.
The Yankees have recorded such totals despite significant injuries to their top two power hitters, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge, as well as elbow injuries to rotation mainstays Max Fried and Carlos Rodon. It hasn’t been pretty, but they’ve found a way to win.
Like every team, the Yankees have areas they need to improve. However, with the American League showing no clear-cut top contender, the front office must be diligent in addressing those issues.
Catcher
When the Yankees appeared in the World Series in 2024, Austin Wells was the team’s starting catcher. But if the Yankees hope to return in 2026, Wells cannot be more than a bench piece.
Simply put, Wells has been baseball’s worst offensive performer this season. In 70 games, the 27-year-old has hit .163 with a .524 OPS, both of which would rank last among qualified hitters. His defensive value has remained relatively high, although with the institution of ABS challenges, his framing is slightly less valuable.
The Yankees realistically have no internal replacement for Wells, with J.C. Escarra and Ali Sanchez both struggling. This means GM Brian Cashman will have to work his magic as the trade deadline approaches.
Contact Hitter
The Yankees are nicknamed the “Bronx Bombers,” and it makes perfect sense. No team in history has clubbed as many home runs, and nobody in the American League has ever hit more in a single season than Judge (62) and Roger Maris (61).
2026 has been the same story, as the Yankees lead the league with 147 home runs. However, in exchange for power, the Yankees have sacrificed contact. In fact, Yankee hitters are batting .236 this season, tied for the 23rd-best in the league. That mark trails teams well out of playoff contention like the Los Angeles Angels and Kansas City Royals.
The bad news for the Yankees is that out-slugging poor contact rarely leads to championships. The last team to rank 23rd or worse in batting average and win the World Series was the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies, who hit a National League-best 214 home runs.
The return of Judge, a lifetime .291 hitter, will certainly help this power-heavy lineup. However, the Yankees need to add at least one contact hitter before the trade deadline hits.
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