New York Yankees still not finished this offseason, Aaron Boone hints at major moves before spring training

Aaron Boone suspects the New York Yankees are not finished this offseason, despite a slow stretch at the Winter Meetings. The manager expects more roster tweaks before spring training. Amid a backdrop of rival teams making bold moves and former Yankees joining the Mets, tension builds around what the Bronx Bombers will do next.

What Aaron Boone Revealed About the Yankees’ Slow Offseason

Boone spoke Friday while distributing food and toys at the NYPD’s 44th Precinct in the Bronx. He emphasized confidence in the current roster while acknowledging the front office is actively working behind closed doors. The manager stressed that free agency always involves multiple teams and opportunities, factors beyond the Yankees’ control.

“The one thing is, I know we have a really good team right now — we have a lot of really good players on our roster,” Boone said. The manager expects the organization to be competitive regardless of which moves get finalized before spring training opens in February.

“It’s probably not finished, there’ll be tweaks I’m sure up until spring training. So whatever happens, our expectation is that we’re going to be really good and that’ll be our focus, on getting ready.”

— Aaron Boone, Yankees Manager

The Mets’ Aggressive Pursuit of Former Yankees Stars

The Yankees are watching rival teams make aggressive moves. The Baltimore Orioles just acquired right-hander Shane Baz, joining their other offseason pickups including Pete Alonso, Taylor Ward, and Ryan Helsley. Meanwhile, the Mets have built a pipeline of former Yankees, signing Juan Soto, Clay Holmes, Devin Williams, and Luke Weaver in recent years under manager Carlos Mendoza.

This exodus of Yankees talent to the Mets adds pressure to the Bronx. When asked about the trend, Boone laughed and said it’s “not quite the Bronx.” The comment reflected the Yankees’ concerns about losing depth to a division rival rebuilding under new ownership with billionaire Steve Cohen.

Key Free Agents and Trade Targets Still in Play

Player/Prospect	Position	Status
Cody Bellinger	Outfielder	Top priority, unsigned
Tatsuya Imai	Right-handed Pitcher	Window closes January 2
Trent Grisham	Center Fielder	Accepted qualifying offer
Kyle Tucker	Outfielder	Trade target to watch

Cody Bellinger has hit 34 home runs previously and remains a key target, though his agent Scott Boras appears to be taking his time developing the market. Boone revealed he would reach out to Bellinger around the holidays. Japanese pitcher Imai is also being considered, though the Yankees have not yet met with him, with Boone declining to tip the organization’s hand either direction.

Roster Decisions and Internal Changes

The Yankees have brought back Trent Grisham on the qualifying offer after he slugged 34 home runs in 2025. They also picked up Tim Hill‘s club option and re-signed utilityman Amed Rosario. Notably, Rosario will begin getting reps at first base to become a right-handed option complementing Ben Rice, according to Boone.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. remains under discussion, with teams potentially calling about the second baseman. However, Boone expects Chisholm to remain in the middle of the Yankees lineup next season, his final year before hitting free agency. The manager emphasized the unpredictability of winter trades while expressing confidence in keeping the infielder.

What’s Next as the Yankees Look Toward Spring Training?

Brian Cashman and his front office continue grinding through December, navigating a complex offseason marketplace. The Yankees need rotation depth and bullpen reinforcement but are being patient with acquisitions. Boone’s comments suggest the team believes it already has a foundation capable of contending despite recent playoff disappointments.

The Orioles’ trade for Baz, the Mets’ continued expansion, and the broader AL East arms race create urgency. However, Boone preaches patience, knowing that deals can materialize quickly as spring training approaches. The Yankees face a critical window to add pieces without overcommitting to an increasingly expensive free agent market dominated by elite names and lengthy contracts.

Will the Yankees’ Restraint Pay Off or Prove Costly?

With January approaching and the Yankees still pursuing upgrades, the question looms: can they land a difference-maker before pitchers and catchers report? Boone’s optimistic tone masks underlying concern about falling further behind divisions rivals making splashes. The offensive balance Bellinger offers and Imai’s potential as a starter represent the types of moves that could shift the trajectory. Expect updates to flow steadily as the New Year begins.

Sources

• New York Post – Aaron Boone’s December 19, 2025 remarks on Yankees offseason activity
• ESPN – MLB free agency tracker and Yankees roster transactions
• SI.com – Mets’ acquisition of former Yankees players under Steve Cohen