Friday is the MLB arbitration deadline and the Yankees there are quite a few eligible players.
There are 14 players the Yankees need to tender or not, which includes some big names and pieces in the bullpen and on the bench. Which GM Brian Cashman and the organization will decide Friday who will determine who becomes a free agent and who stays for 2026. Additionally, those retained could go to arbitration to determine their salary for the upcoming season.
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Of course, the Yankees could eliminate the arbitration process if they and the player agree to a deal.
Here is all the latest news from Yankees arbitrations and tenders…
November 21, 5:55 p.m.
The Yankees did not tender five players, most of them coming from the bullpen. Mark Leiter Jr., Ian Hamilton, Scott Effross And Jake Cousins didn’t get a contract for the 2026 season. Sure, the team could negotiate with relievers to bring them back, but all four are now unrestricted free agents.
The other name is Michel Arias.
Arias was traded to the Yankees from the Cubs in January for cash. He made 17 appearances with Double-A Somerset, where he pitched to a 2.57 ERA.
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Additionally, the Yankees offered contracts to other eligible players, including: Jazz Chisholm Jr., José Caballero, Anthony Volpe, Luis Gil, Jake Bird, David Bednar, Camilo Doval And Fernando Cruz.
November 21, 5:00 p.m.
The Yankees and holder Clarke Schmidt have agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.5 million, according to multiple reports. Schmidt and the Yankees avoid arbitration.
Schmidt had a solid 2025 for the Yanks, with a 3.32 ERA over 14 starts. But after starting the season on the IL, the right-hander’s year ended in July after he underwent Tommy John surgery, the second of his career.
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November 21, 4:45 p.m.
The Yankees and the utility Oswaldo Cabrera agreed to a $1.2 million contract, avoiding arbitration, according to multiple reports.
Cabrera, who missed most of 2025 after suffering a season-ending foot injury sliding toward home plate, played in just 34 games last season. During that time, he slashed .243/.322..308 with an OPS of .631. He was the team’s everyday third baseman, but he could also play in the outfield and around the infield.
The move makes sense, giving manager Aaron Boone a versatile bench for next year.
