New York Post | Greg Joyce: The Yankees have announced their 28-man roster for Opening Day. They will carry 16 pitchers and 12 positioners, meaning a three-man bench and an eleven-man bullpen. Carrying that abundance of guns should ease staff concerns early in the season, given the truncated ramp-up phase of curtailed spring practice — in fact, manager Aaron Boone has said starters aren’t expected to go much past 70-75 pitches for at least the first turn by the rotation.
Also of note was the confirmation that Marwin González would make up the team. He had a successful spring for the Yankees with 1,231 OPS and three homers, and his defensive versatility will likely be viewed as a significant asset for the ball club. He’s played every position except catcher, and his 2,337 career innings at shortstops proves he can take a position the Yankees had no real support for prior to his inclusion on the roster. They have yet to open a 40-man roster spot for González so we’ll keep you posted if there’s any news.
NJ Advance Media | Mike Rosenstein: In rather unexpected news, the Yankees are being reunited with their old friend Greg Bird in a minor league deal. Fans will remember his tenure as one of the leading faces of the baby bomber generation, as well as his unfulfilled potential thanks to a long list of injuries. Since his last major league appearance — on April 13, 2019 with the Yankees — Bird has bounced around the minor league systems of Texas, Philadelphia, Colorado and most recently Toronto. He recently resigned from his minor league deal with Toronto and joined Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. The 29-year-old could earn up to $1 million if he makes it to the major leagues.
FanGraphs | Ben Clemens: The FanGraphs staff compiled team power rankings on each position, and yesterday they did pitching. Based on a combination of the ZiPS and Steamer projection systems, they expect the Yankees rotation to be the best starting team in baseball. That prediction is supported by Gerrit Cole’s MLB-leading 5.7 fWAR forecast, but just as important is the depth of capable arms behind him.
FanGraphs | Dan Szymborski: You also rated teams’ bullpens, and the Yankees are again expected to field the best unit in baseball. Led by Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Loáisiga and Chad Green, the Yankees’ large roster of auxiliary arms is expected to outperform any other group in MLB. Combine the two results and the Yankees’ pitching staff is projected as comfortably the best in the majors, although it may not feel like it.
MLB Trade Rumors | Anthony Franco: Todd Frazier has announced his retirement after eleven major league seasons. Frazier came to the Bronx as part of the 2017 trade deadline deal, which also hit Yankees David Robertson and Tommy Kahnle, while Blake Rutherford, Tyler Clippard, Ian Clarkin and Tito Polo went to the White Sox. He did well in his 66-game appearance for the Bombers, hitting .222/.365/.423 with 11 home runs and a 115 wRC+, but is arguably better known as a member of the 1998 Little League World Series-winning Toms in River, NJ team – and subsequent encounter with Derek Jeter – and his thumbs-down celebration as his performance on the field. Best wishes to the Toddfather in all his future endeavors!