These out-of-options Yankees players can't be sent down to minor leagues in 2025

The New York Yankees begin regular season play in the Bronx on March 27 against the Milwaukee Brewers. Ah, yes. The classic battle we're all intimately familiar with. An age-old rivalry renewed to kick off the year!

When the Yankees travel north, they'll be bringing with them a complete 26-man roster, and some of their last-minute decisions will hinge on the tables below.

On the Yankees' current 40-man roster, there are three players who are out of options and ineligible to be sent down to the minor leagues during the 2025 season. They will be exposed to waivers if they don't make the team out of camp. Mark Leiter Jr. in the bullpen is more than likely safe, but both right-hander Yoendrys Gomez and infielder Oswald Peraza face uncertain futures (with a hard deadline attached).

If they're not included among those who head north for Opening Day, they'll be exposed to the league's other 29 teams. Both Gomez and Peraza are former top prospects whose trade value has diminished in recent years, but like Roansy Contreras, they'll both almost certainly be claimed and will leave the organization if they aren't carried. Expect Gomez and Peraza to either make the Yankees' roster or be dealt just before the decision must be made.

As noted below, the Yankees have also brought in a few popular non-roster invitees who, if they make the active roster at any point, will have to be DFA'd rather than demoted if things change.

2025 New York Yankees players who are out of minor-league options

It's quite possible that, after a hot start to camp and Giancarlo Stanton's injury, the Yankees will need to add Smith to the active roster (and, therefore, the 40-man). In that case, they'll expose a current player to waivers in the process.

Given that the Yankees prize flexibility, expect them to hold on to a significant number of players who still have more than one minor-league option year remaining.

2025 New York Yankees on 40-man roster (and on bubble) who have minor-league options remaining

Italics = Not on 40-Man Roster

Famously, the Yankees burned a Jorbit Vivas option year last season by calling him up for an Orioles series, plopping him on the bench, and then demoting him for the remainder of the campaign. Made no sense then, makes no sense now.

Peraza and Gomez are the ones to keep an eye on here, especially as the Yankees plot potential roster spots for Smith, Will Warren, Tyler Matzek, and Brent Headrick. Keep your eyes peeled on some late action, even if it doesn't ultimately net the Yankees the third base upgrade most fans have been seeking.