Former Yankees still without a job as 2026 spring training nears (and 2 could return)

Believe it or not, this list was even longer just a few days ago, but Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Miguel Andújar finally inked deals with the Red Sox and Padres before spring training. But free agency is currently littered with a ton of former New York Yankees ... some of whom could actually help out the 2026 roster.

Yeah ... about that ... the Yankees still have a few needs before they arrive in Tampa for official spring training action. A right-handed bat is something they're seeking, but it appears as if any such acquisition would disrupt the current group (particularly given what Jasson Dominguez and Oswaldo Cabrera have to offer). Bullpen help? We'll take anything reasonable that's out there.

A few former Yankees could technically help the cause, which explains the previous Andújar rumors before he ended up in San Diego for one year and $4 million. Would we advise that? Not exactly. The Yankees are famous for alienating their undesirable players before they finally kick them to the curb.

We'll get to the possible reunions a bit later, but we'll warn you that looking at this list might give you some whiplash.

Former Yankees still without a job as 2026 spring training nears (and 2 could return)

Gary Sánchez

El Gary spent 2025 with the rival Orioles, appeared in 29 games, and subtracted 0.4 WAR from the team in his limited action. He's a righty slugging catcher, but not what the Yankees are looking for.

Donovan Solano

Solano was with the Yankees back in 2016 and 2017, appearing in just nine MLB games in 2016. He logged the rest of his time at Triple-A Scranton. He's bounced around the league ever since, and he's truthfully been a solid major leaguer during his stints with the Giants, Reds, Twins and Padres. His tenure with Seattle in 2025 wasn't great, though.

Dominic Smith

2025 Yankees legend Dom Smith was stashed away at Triple-A and then opted out of his contract when he didn't get the bump to the big league roster. He ended up in San Fran and produced solid numbers (.284 AVG., .750 OPS) in 63 games. Another lefty, though. Can't do it.

Thairo Estrada

The Summer of Thairo! Remember that back in 2019? Remember that offseason he was shot?! He ended up departing the organization and joining the Giants. He logged a .273 average and .813 OPS in 52 games back in 2021 and was really solid in 2022-2023 when he logged over 500 plate appearances per season. But he fell flat in 2024 with the Giants and in 2025 with the Rockies.

Gio Urshela

Urshela has fallen off since his 2.9 WAR campaign with the Twins in 2022. He's struggled with the Tigers and A's the last two years, and this might be the end of the road for him. We'll never forget the grand slam in Cleveland.

Jon Berti

One of the worst Yankees acquisitions of the Brian Cashman era, especially for how low-impact it was. Cubs fans learned the hard way in 2025, too, which explains why he's still available.

Alex Verdugo

Must we elaborate?

Mike Tauchman

The Sock Man! He was rumored to be a Yankees target this offseason, but again, another lefty bat. We wish him the best. It was legitimately unfair he was non-tendered by the White Sox this offseason after hitting .263 with a .756 OPS.

Nestor Cortes

Cortes is recovering from Tommy John surgery after being traded to the Brewers in the Devin Williams deal. He's probably out for 2026, so it's unlikely he finds a job anywhere until he's healthy and throwing.

Frankie Montas

Must we elaborate?

Marcus Stroman

MUST. WE. ELABORATE?

Jordan Montgomery

Love Monty, and still believe the Yankees did him dirty with the Harrison Bader trade. But the left-hander subtracted 1.4 WAR from the Diamondbacks in 2024 and then missed all of 2025 due to Tommy John. Going to be a long road back for him. But hey, he's got that 2023 World Series ring.

Justin Wilson

Could've maybe been an option earlier in the offseason, and we don't know why he remains unsigned after registering a 3.35 ERA and 2.95 FIP in 61 games with the Red Sox last year.

Jake Cousins

Cousins was believed to be another diamond-in-the-rough Yankees/Matt Blake find, but he missed all of 2025 due to Tommy John surgery and the Yankees non-tendered him. They just couldn't keep bringing back injured players.

Lou Trivino

The other cursed member of the Frankie Montas trade was with three teams in 2025 and helped the Dodgers get to the finish line of the regular season. He wasn't great, but he could be on the mend from the multiple injuries that plagued his time in the Bronx.

Tommy Kahnle

He's probably still a free agent because of how well-documented it is that he completely breaks down during the second half of the season. Wouldn't mind employing him for the first half and getting solid production though ...

Chad Green

Yankees fans will always have a soft spot for Chad Green, and they'll forever be thankful he cost the Blue Jays millions after logging a 5.56 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 45 game last year.

Former Yankees who could return in 2026 via free agency

Austin Slater

Slater appeared in a grand total of 14 games with the Yankees after coming over at the trade deadline. He immediately suffered a hamstring injury and was sidelined for weeks. The Yankees reportedly offered him a one-year, $1 million deal for 2026 to help balance out their outfield (he's a righty bat). Wouldn't mind having him back, but certainly don't want him taking playing time away from anybody.

Zack Littell

Another rumored Yankees target, Littell, who was with the Yankees back in 2017 (traded for Jaime Garcia!), would be a perfect addition to the pitching staff. He can start games. He can handle long relief. He limits walks. He'd be a creative addition to help the Yankees weather their early-season injury woes.