After tying for the best record in the American League and having the fourth best in MLB, the New York Yankees saw their 2025 campaign ended by rivals the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of the ALDS. In all but one game, the Pinstripes were decisively defeated by the AL East Champions.
Their earlier-than-expected ouster in the postseason after reaching the World Series last year leaves the front office and their fans with questions about who should stay and who should go this offseason. With that in mind, we take a look at seven players and coaches the Yankees must send packing this winter.
Ryan McMahon
When the Yankees traded for Rockies veteran Ryan McMahon before the deadline, it looked like they had finally solved their season-long issues at third base. Well, his down season in 2025 didn’t get any better in the Bronx. In fact, his hitting numbers were worse compared to before the trade, and fellow deadline addition Ahmed Rosario actually hit far better.
Is McMahon an outstanding defensive player? Sure. But the Yanks can get the same from another player internally or from the outside for cheaper and just move McMahon for bullpen depth.
Anthony Volpe
Anthony Volpe getting a Gold Glove two years ago continues to be baffling. However, while his overrated defense is a problem, the one-time top prospect isn’t a good hitter. Yes, he hit 19 homers and knocked in 72 RBIs with a torpedo bat this year. However, he still barely hit over the Mendoza line in 153 games in 2025. Is a little pop from short worth it for an average fielder who can’t hit? It sure doesn’t seem like it, and if other teams see high upside in the 24-year-old, start making offers.
Aaron Boone
The time has come. Brian Cashman and Yankees ownership have given Aaron Boone eight years to win a championship. Yes, he got to the World Series last year and has reached the postseason every season except for one. But this is not Pittsburgh. This is New York, and standards are high — unreasonable or not.
He simply has not done what has been asked of him despite a strong roster and with the best hitter in baseball leading the way. Now, after a third ouster in the ALDS, the time has come for the Yankees to look for a new voice in their locker room. The first-time manager got a good run, but if he wants to continue being one in the big leagues it needs to be somewhere else.
Jonathan Loaisiga
The bullpen can be a volatile position on any big league roster because relief arms can be inconsistent. That has been the case for Jonathan Loaisiga, yet he has remained on the roster for eight years. Has he had some good seasons? A couple, but he has also had some very average years, including in 2025 when he posted a 4.25 ERA in 30 appearances.
However, now his body is starting to fail him at 30, and he has incurred major injuries over the last two seasons. The team has a $5 million club option for him next year. They should not pick it up.
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
I get it. Moving on from a two-time All-Star who posted a 30-30 season in 2025 and is only 27 seems ridiculous. But sometimes there are worthwhile moves that are addition by subtraction. Jazz Chisholm Jr. wore out his welcome after four and a half seasons in Miami, and Yankees fans are seeing why.
He handled being benched in Game 1 of the Wild Card like a petulant child. In Games 3 and 4 of the ALDS, lazy defense led to a run, and he was even caught on camera at one point yawning in the infield. He doesn’t seem like a real winning player on a team with the highest standard for that in the sport. Furthermore, coming off such a good season, they can move him and actually get something worthwhile back.
Jasson Dominguez
Jasson Dominguez will probably get another chance to prove he is an everyday player in the big leagues next season. But if he didn’t, would Yankee fans really be saddened? He is a bit of an adventure in the outfield, and he doesn’t hit like Juan Soto to make the front office overlook it.
The team will make a serious effort to re-sign Cody Bellinger, and stud prospect Spencer Jones could be promoted early next season. It just seems like there may not be space for Dominguez eventually. Considering his potential, the team could actually get a solid return by trading him, and they should contemplate it.
Devin Williams
When the Yankees traded for Devin Williams, it was viewed as a big win. The Brewers veteran is a two-time All-Star and has evolved into one of the game’s best closers after a trio of seasons with a sub-2.00 ERA. However, after giving up a monster homer to Pete Alonso in last season’s Wild Card, Williams has never been the same. Putting up the worst season of his career in 2025. The reliever is a free agent this offseason, and New York should let him walk away.
