A first look at the Yankees’ ALDS roster: Who is selected?

There are still several unanswered questions about who will play for the Yankees in the American League Division Series against the Rays.

Aaron Boone met with the media during Friday’s practice day and shared crumbs of information on questionable players, including Aaron Judge and Ryan Weathers. After taking a few reps during batting practice and making some moves in the cage, Judge is still being considered for the roster according to the Yankees manager.

The Pinstripe Alley Feed seemed divided on the subject, with some thinking he would make the roster and appear as a pinch hitter. On Friday, the majority voted that the Yankees captain wouldn’t make it this time.

As for the lefty who has been on the IL since late August with left forearm flexor strain, Boone said he “expects Weathers to be available,” but he certainly hasn’t made an official decision yet.

Let’s start by dissecting the potential starting rotation. Boone confirmed that Gerrit Cole would get the start for Game 1, which was expected since the Yankees took care of business against Boston in a two-game sweep. He will make his first postseason start for the Yankees since 2024, as he missed the majority of last season due to Tommy John surgery.

Cam Schlittler, who dominated the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series, is expected to start in Game 2. The Yankees ace was his dominant self as he struck out 10 in 6.1 innings. Ultimately, coming down to the wire, it wouldn’t be surprising if he started for Game 5 as well.

Then there’s Max Fried, who scored the win that secured the Yankees’ spot in the Division Series. He will likely be an option to start Game 3 in time for the Yankees’ return to the Bronx. Boone also mentioned that Carlos Rodón could start for Game 3 or Game 4, if necessary. We’ll almost certainly see him in a relief role if he doesn’t end up in a starting role.

The Yankees made Wild Card Series history with just 10 pitchers and 16 position players in the lineup, and it ultimately worked out well. However, will history repeat itself in the ALDS? Brent Headrick, Paul Blackburn and Will Warren will certainly be on the staff, but it would be interesting to see Weathers in the mix if he becomes available. Ryan Yarbrough also made the Wild Card Series roster, but did not make an appearance against Boston. The question is: Can the Yankees pull off the same feat in the Division Series with just 10 pitchers?

Moving on to position players, there are a number of impressive young guys who have made an impact in the Wild Card Series. George Lombard Jr., who went 4 for 8 in the series with three points, shined in demolishing Boston’s playoff hopes. Even before the Yankees clinched their 61st playoff berth, some went so far as to say his swing reminded them of Yankees legend Derek Jeter. He has also been reliable on defense, which is a promising sign for his future at the position.

After starting in both Wild Card Series games, it’s also clear that Spencer Jones has earned his spot in the lineup. He recorded two hits and three combined runs in his first career postseason appearances and was flexible defensively, as he played right field in Game 2 while Trent Grisham took over in center.

Grisham, on the other hand, returned to the order on Wednesday after being out for most of September with a hamstring injury. It would be surprising if he didn’t make the roster, given how compromised he looked during his brief stint in the outfield, but that doesn’t seem likely since Boone seems to rely on more player position options than not.

One of the biggest unanswered questions is whether Giancarlo Stanton will be an option to face Tampa Bay. He will likely succeed as a pinch hitter, especially since he made the Wild Card Series roster. With Ben Rice as the DH and either Paul Goldschmidt or Luis García Jr. at first and Austin Wells behind the plate, Stanton doesn’t have much room to squeeze into the starting lineup.

What else is there to say about Rice other than the fact that he’s the Yankees’ most productive hitter without Aaron Judge? There’s no doubt that if he continues his momentum, the Rays’ starting rotation will tremble before the bump.

The Yankees will most likely play Jazz Chisholm Jr. at second and have the option of starting Anthony Volpe, Amed Rosario or José Caballero at third. Volpe started at second in the opener and went 1 for 3 against Boston. During the locker room celebrations following Wednesday night’s annihilation of the Red Sox, Rice called Volpe a “menace” with a bottle of champagne.

Rosario didn’t produce offensively in his start in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, but he drew a walk after a successful ABS challenge that put Lombard Jr. in scoring position in the fourth. It’s unclear if he’s ready to make the playoff roster over options like Volpe and Caballero, the latter of whom remained on the bench against Boston.

It’s hard to imagine that Ali Sánchez will replace Austin Wells, who was 3-for-6 in the series with three points. Sánchez will be included on the roster as a replacement.

One thing is certain: Cody Bellinger will be easy to count on in the field and he is ready to make an impact at the plate against the Rays. He proved himself after immediately making the Red Sox regret walking Rice in the sixth inning Wednesday night, crushing a 3-run homer that gave the Yankees an 8-1 lead.

The Yankees’ official ALDS roster is expected to be released Saturday before the series opener in Tampa. Until then, Yankees fans can only hope for the best and prepare for Boone’s upcoming decisions.