Part 3/9:
Despite his contributions, postseason struggles against the Toronto Blue Jays highlighted some systemic issues within the Yankees' playoff lineup. The team's offensive stalls and defensive lapses underscored a need for reshaping their roster, especially in the outfield where continuity was lacking.
The Yankees’ Outfield Dilemma
With Bellinger opting out, the Yankees face an urgent need to identify new outfield options to support Aaron Judge, who—despite being the face of the franchise—will be surrounded by a less stable lineup. The previous season saw Judge sharing the outfield with Juan Soto and Alex Verdugo, but moving into 2026, the team will need to find new consistent contributors.