2 Yankees who've played their way onto Opening Day roster, 2 who played their way off

The New York Yankees have had themselves a perfectly average spring on the field as they've disintegrated off of it. While the losses of Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton, and Luis Gil (and a multitude of others...) have brought a fair degree of scrambling and drama (to the fan base, especially), the team has ridden the coaster at a steady pace, playing .500 ball with occasional showcases of impressive power or surprising arms.

Several new additions have stood out as particularly impactful, with both Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt making thunderous preseason statements. A few contributors who played deep into October last year are clearly rusty, but their Opening Day status has already been handed down, presuming they stay healthy.

At the margins, though, a few names who needed to step up have done just that to fill important gaps, while a couple of position battles appear to have been decided already after ill-timed slumps. Yoendrys Gomez and Oswald Peraza cannot be demoted, and needed to win roster spots or be shipped out before Opening Day; both appear to be headed in the right direction with their solid play. Additionally, two other risers deserve the spotlight (while, yes, these other two scuffling players are probably off the bubble by now).

Bonus: One player who appeared to play himself onto the roster with a hot spring, but somehow won't make it, is Everson Pereira, who was demoted on Tuesday despite a 1.090 OPS at camp and the ability to mash left-handers. Still working his way into game shape after Tommy John surgery, he'll return to Scranton to presumably get additional reps in the field and eventually make his way back into the roster mix.

2 New York Yankees who've played themselves onto Opening Day roster with hot spring training

Dominic Smith, Likely Opening Day DH

The rumored Yankees trade for a Jon Berti-like "right-handed bat," presumably either to play third base or fill an outfield bench role, would be a targeted attempt to bring in another professional hitter to lessen the pressure on the kids. Carrying Dominic Smith on the Opening Day roster represents the same thing.

Smith was perfectly average in Boston last year, posting a 96 OPS+ and 20 doubles in 84 games, as well as some clutch moments and goofy mood boosters. He believes he's found his top prospect swing once again, and that seems plausible given his .954 spring OPS and .318 average.

Will Warren, Likely No. 5 Starter

Warren probably would've made the roster picture by default after the losses of Cole and Gil, so thank goodness he's actually looked good in his audition anyhow. Last season's Michael King comparisons don't look quite so ridiculous now, as his stuff has coalesced and he's racked up 12 Ks in 11 2/3 innings across four spring outings, posting a 1.54 ERA with pristine command.

Now, the Yankee he'll be most compared to is Gil himself, who made the whole world forget about Cole temporarily in April and May of 2024.

2 New York Yankees who won't make Opening Day roster after difficult springs

Alex Jackson, C

Jackson, a non-roster invitee, entered camp as the more experienced option behind the plate in a two-man backup race. It was clear, though, that the Yankees preferred JC Escarra win the job, given that he was already on the 40-man roster.

Escarra, an Uber driver during tough times who the Yankees uncovered after a stint with the independent Gastonia Honey Hunters, has struck the ball with authority this spring, hitting .370 with two bombs in 27 at-bats. That high AB total proves the Yankees have been making sure to take the longest look possible at him.

Jackson, owner of a .122 batting average last season at the MLB level (but a home run off Nestor Cortes Jr. nonetheless)? He hit a homer and double early in a game against the Blue Jays, but he's still stuck on 3-for-14, lapped in opportunities by Escarra. The Yankees are probably prepared to ride the hot hand here.

Eric Reyzelman, RHP

This is a tough break for Reyzelman, who was unlikely to crack the Opening Day roster anyhow, but was beginning to open some eyes at the start of camp and position himself as a midseason replacement. Honestly? The fringes of the Yankees' roster have performed well, from Pablo Reyes to Geoff Hartlieb to Carlos Carrasco. It was between Reyzelman and his 8.31 ERA, inflated after a recent tough outing, and TJ Rumfield, who could've entered the backup first base mix if he hadn't gone 2-for-16.

The worst part? The Yankees' worst performers have all been players who are firmly entrenched on the roster and can't play themselves off of it, like Anthony Volpe and Jasson Dominguez. Maybe this spot goes to DJ LeMahieu, who redefined "playing yourself off the roster" by taking two at-bats, injuring his calf, and allowing the depth chart to settle without him.