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Complete list of Yankees free agents with final predictions for who stays and who leaves in 2027

Changes could be afoot.
ByStephen Parello
Sep 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA;  New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium.  Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. (13) reacts after hitting a single in the second inning against the Boston Red Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The New York Yankees have officially turned the page and are now looking towards 2027. Didn't feel that way after defeating the Red Sox, but ... reality bites. Lots of uncertainty looms with the current CBA set to expire on December 1 and a potential work stoppage on the horizon. That will add another layer of complexity as the Yankees decide which of their upcoming free agents they'd like to retain, and which they'd like to let walk to find greener pastures.

With that said, let's take a look at all the Yankees set to hit free agency, and predict who stays and who goes as New York prepares for 2027.

Predicting which Yankees free agents stay and which find new homes this offseason

Trent Grisham

Fortunately, the qualifying offer is off the table for Trent Grisham. The $22 million man saw his bat fall off in 2026, and while his expected stats were still pretty good, they weren't what they were last year. Most importantly, he can't run anymore, and in center field that's a real problem. Spencer Jones has shown enough that center field should be his for the taking in 2027.

Prediction - walks in free agency

Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Uneven doesn't even begin to describe the odyssey that Jazz Chisholm Jr. took us on this year. His season was full of strange gaffes, wildly unexpected clutch performances, and exactly one lollipop. He began to heat up heading into September, but before he could really prove anything, he got injured. The market doesn't present much in the way of second basemen, with Brandon Lowe as the only truly viable alternative.

There's a lot to like about Lowe, but at 32 years old, it's hard to believe in his defensive turnaround. Jazz is almost four years younger, so theoretically you're paying for his prime versus Lowe's decline.

Verdict - re-signs with Yankees

David Bednar

This is probably the easiest decision on the list. David Bednar got off to a slow start, but from May 22 onward, he posted a 1.30 ERA over 48 1/3 innings pitched. The Yankees' bullpen needs more quality arms, so while Bednar isn't an addition, keeping him ensures that Brian Cashman has a little less work to do to rebuild the unit.

Verdict - re-signs with Yankees

Paul Goldschmidt

This might be the toughest decision, in part because there are so many variables. Paul Goldschmidt was brought here to mash lefties, and even at age 39, he proved that he can still do that with a .967 OPS against southpaws this season. Does he want to play another year? And if so, does he fit New York's roster? Ben Rice, Luis Garcia Jr., and Giancarlo Stanton make the first base/DH combo pretty crowded, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see them let Goldschmidt walk for greater flexibility.

Prediction - retirement, but if he decides to continue his career it will be elsewhere

John Schreiber

After ignoring the bullpen at the trade deadline beyond all logic and reason, Brian Cashman made a savvy pickup when he plucked John Schreiber off of waivers. The 32-year-old is a fine middle reliever, but roster spots are limited, and the Yankees should be setting their sights higher.

Verdict - walks in free agency

Tim Hill

Tim Hill has been a valiant competitor for New York for a while, but the wheels started coming off for the 36-year-old sidewinder in 2026. The fact that the club left him off the ALWCS and ALDS rosters tells you all you need to know.

Verdict - walks in free agency

Amed Rosario

Amed Rosario had one job in 2026: terrorize left-handed pitching. Instead, he posted a .606 OPS against southpaws. His defense is a problem, and he can no longer rely on versatility to hold down a job.

Verdict - walks in free agency

Ryan Yarbrough

Many times throughout the season, we were left asking ourselves what the point of Ryan Yarbrough was. The veteran lefty spent large swaths of the season rotting, unused in the bullpen. While everyone needs a long man, and you don't always have occasion to use such a pitcher, it was still curious usage. The Yankees can easily find an internal option to mop up blowouts.

Verdict - walks in free agency

Paul Blackburn

The anti-Ryan Yarbrough is Paul Blackburn. At first, it was very confusing as to why New York had two long relievers, but as Blackburn continued to prove himself worthy and moved up the pecking order, his value became clear. There are some warning signs that Blackburn overachieved this season, but even then, what's going on under the hood was pretty good. Quality arms are a must, and more must be added.

Verdict - re-signs with the Yankees

Michael Fulmer

Michael Fulmer showed some impressive stuff over a short time with the Yankees, but the question is whether or not he can truly be counted on. The right-hander has been waylaid by in recent years by injuries, further complicating matters. Keeping him around to some extent makes sense, but relying on him is risky.

Verdict - Yankees re-sign to a minor league contract

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