"Yankees can win AL East" - MLB insider issues bold verdict about $8.2B franchise despite underwhelming off-season moves 

The New York Yankees conceded the AL East division to the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025 after winning it in 2024. The competition in 2025 was pretty close for most of the year, but there were some areas where the Yankees came up short.

The Yankees, who are worth $8.2b billion (via Forbes), are looking forward to working on those mistakes this offseason. And one insider believes they have the belief in themselves to win the AL East crown back.

"I think the Yankees like the team right now and think they can win the AL East," MLB insider Jeff Passan said.

However, so far this offseason, the Yankees haven't made any solid additions apart from re-signing Trent Grisham to a one-year qualifying offer deal worth around $22 million.

The Yankees are actively participating in contract talks with Cody Bellinger's camp as both sides have shown mutual interest in continuing their partnership. However, the negotiations are far from a deal. Meanwhile, the likes of the LA Dodgers and the New York Mets are also after an outfielder and Bellinger's acquisition answers a lot of questions for them as well.

Their offseason priority remains Cody Bellinger, and if not him, they are also keeping tabs on Kyle Tucker, who might be more costly as a free agent outfielder.

Yankees GM responds to slow offseason

While on the outside it may appear the Yankees' front office hasn't done anything notable, behind the scenes, they are working hard, as admitted by general manager Brian Cashman.

"I haven't accomplished anything," Cashman said. "We're just staying engaged, trying to match up with some things, but it's been tough so far. Don't like the asks coming our way, and I guess the opposing teams, what I'm trying to pull from them on the trade stuff, they're not liking currently. But we do have some conversations that possibly could lead somewhere. But clearly if we had something, we would have done it."

Still, there are big names who remain unsigned. Thus, the offseason is far from over, and Cashman might be onto something.

Edited by Krutik Jain