Just as the Yankees' spring training kicks into high gear, the team has already started making tough decisions, and some players are packing their bags earlier than expected. But here's where it gets interesting: who’s leaving, and what does it mean for the team’s future? Let’s dive in.
This week in Tampa, Florida, the Yankees began their full-squad workouts, but not everyone made the cut. On Tuesday, the team announced two roster moves, reassigning catcher/first baseman Abrahan Gutierrez and pitcher Alexander Cornielle to the minor-league camp. Is this a sign of things to come, or just a strategic reshuffling?
Outfielder Yanquiel Fernandez was also sent to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, further trimming the roster. These decisions come just as the Yankees prepare to kick off their Grapefruit League schedule on Friday against the Baltimore Orioles in Sarasota. Right-hander Elmer Rodriguez, ranked as the team’s No. 3 prospect by MLB Pipeline, is set to start the game. But will these early cuts impact the team’s momentum?
Let’s take a closer look at the players who were reassigned. Abrahan Gutierrez, a 26-year-old Venezuelan catcher/first baseman, spent the 2025 season with the Pirates’ organization. In 32 games split between Triple-A and low-A, he batted .235 with one home run and six RBIs. Over eight professional seasons, Gutierrez has maintained a .261 career average with 29 home runs and 215 RBIs in 471 games. Is this enough to keep him in the majors, or does he need more time to prove himself?
Alexander Cornielle, a 24-year-old Dominican pitcher, signed a minor-league contract with the Yankees in December after seven years with the Milwaukee Brewers. Standing at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Cornielle posted a 5-9 record with a 3.81 ERA in 26 starts for Double-A Biloxi and three starts for Triple-A Nashville last season. Does his performance warrant another shot, or is he better suited for the minors?
With these cuts, the Yankees now have 67 players in camp, including recent signee Rafael Montero, a right-handed reliever who remains in the Dominican Republic due to visa issues. The team must trim the roster to 26 players before their season opener on March 25 in San Francisco. Can they make the tough calls in time, or will these decisions come back to haunt them?
Here’s a breakdown of the current Yankees roster, which includes a mix of established stars and promising prospects:
Pitchers (37): Michael Arias, Brendan Beck, David Bednar, Osvaldo Bido, Jake Bird, Paul Blackburn, Kyle Carr, Kervin Castro, Angel Chivilli, Harrison Cohen, Gerrit Cole, Carson Coleman, Dylan Coleman, Fernando Cruz, Yovanny Cruz, Yerry de los Santos, Camilo Doval, Drake Fellows, Max Fried, Luis Gil, Don Hamel, Chase Hampton, Bradley Hanner, Brent Headrick, Ben Hess, Tim Hill, Adam Kloffenstein, Carlos Lagrange, Travis MacGregor, Rafael Montero, Carlos Rodon, Elmer Rodriguez, Cam Schlittler, Will Warren, Ryan Weathers, Cade Winquest, Ryan Yarbrough.
Catchers (5): J.C. Escarra, Payton Henry, Miguel Palma, Ali Sanchez, Austin Wells.
Infielders (11): Jazz Chisholm, Paul DeJong, George Lombard Jr., Ryan McMahon, Jonathan Ornelas, Ben Rice, Max Schuemann, Braden Shewmake, Zack Short, Jorbit Vivas, Anthony Volpe.
Outfielders (9): Cody Bellinger, Kenedy Corona, Jasson Dominguez, Duke Ellis, Trent Grisham, Spencer Jones, Aaron Judge, Seth Brown, Giancarlo Stanton.
Utility Players (5): Jose Caballero, Oswaldo Cabrera, Marco Luciano, Ernesto Martinez Jr., Amed Rosario.
Injured List: Clarke Schmidt.
Note: Players marked with an 'x' are non-roster invitees.
And this is the part most people miss: While these early cuts may seem routine, they often spark debates about player potential and team strategy. Should the Yankees have given Gutierrez or Cornielle more time to shine, or were these moves necessary to focus on more proven talent? What do you think? Are these cuts justified, or is the team missing out on hidden gems? Let us know in the comments below!
