Spring training has begun for the New York Yankees and they’re taking careful note to assess their roster and explore platoon batting options. Although major moves were made over the off-season period, this team remains intent on fine-tuning its lineup ahead of what lies ahead for 2019.
Preparing Roster Moves Before Opening Day
As teams approach March 25th’s start date of regular season play, teams often look for available players that could provide valuable depth and versatility during spring training. The Yankees have begun actively monitoring available players who could add depth as spring training continues.
Ben Rice’s Growing Role
Following a mixed debut in 2024, Ben Rice made notable strides in 2025, establishing himself as a promising contributor. After Paul Goldschmidt’s re-signing, Rice is anticipated to have an important role with the team in 2026. The Yankees are also considering him as a backup catcher while Rice works to sharpen his defensive abilities and earn a consistent place in the lineup.
Goldschmidt Balances Club and Country Duties
Paul Goldschmidt will return to the Yankees this season while also representing Team USA at the World Baseball Classic tournament, in which he previously claimed championship in 2017 and finished runner-up two years later (2023). Goldschmidt has expressed enthusiasm about participating in both competitions while simultaneously anticipating playing a potential limited role alongside Rice this year with Team USA.
Note: Please be aware that this summary relies solely on publicly accessible information.