Yankees Playing Several Key Players in Spring Training Opener

Quite a few notable New York Yankees players will be in the Spring Training opener.

Sep 14, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; New York Yankees shortstop Jose Caballero (72) runs the bases after hitting. Solo home run against the Boston Red Sox during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

February 20 marks the New York Yankees first taste of action in 2026.

New York's Spring Training opener is at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL, home of the Baltimore Orioles. A 1:05 p.m. EST first pitch is in order as just the other day Yankees fans learned Elmer Rodriguez would be the team's starting pitcher.

The Athletics' Chris Kirschner revealed some notable Yankees who will also see some action in their first of 32 Spring Training games.

Yankees Fans Can Expect to See These Four Position Players

Among the regulars playing in the Yankees’ first spring training game tomorrow:

Austin Wells
Jose Caballero
Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Amed Rosario

Elmer Rodriguez starting. Jake Bird expected to pitch as well

— Chris Kirschner (@ChrisKirschner) February 19, 2026

Kirschner named catcher Austin Wells, second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., shortstop Jose Caballero, and third baseman Amed Rosario in action. That doesn't mean they'll play the entire game, but is still great to see so many names playing in late February.

Wells is on a quest to finish 2026 as a top five catcher, something that seems very doable. His defense is up to par and offensively he's been a one-man wrecking crew behind the plate.

Chisholm Jr. recently spoke about his goals for 2026 as it's clear he has big aspirations. While there's nothing wrong with that, the soon to be free agent isn't setting himself up for success if he comes nowhere close to the 10 WAR that was discussed.

Caballero is set to get the nod at shortstop until Anthony Volpe gets his shoulder injury sorted out. Yankees fans expect Caballero to be the main guy at shortstop for the first month or so, but obviously things can change on a dime.

Finally, Rosario is a suitable bench player for this Yankees lineup. Ryan McMahon will be the everyday third baseman but the 30-year old impressed in his limited at-bats last season. Out of these four, it's safe to assume Rosario will see the most action throughout the next month.

One Notable Pitcher Other Than Rodriguez

Aug 4, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Jake Bird (59) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the New York Yankees at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

At this point it's common knowledge that Rodriguez will start on the 20th and Carlos Lagrange will get the nod the very next day as the Yankees host the Detroit Tigers.

Other than those two, Kirschner expects Jake Bird to make an appearance as well. Bird, 30, made just three appearances with the Yankees last year. New York traded for him on July 31 but he was optioned to Triple-A on August 5. Knowing their bullpen is still one of the main issues, a strong outing from Bird this spring could make things extremely interesting.

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