The New York Yankees have announced their 26-man roster for the 2026 American League Wild Card Series against the Boston Red Sox, with several major roster decisions shaping New York’s postseason lineup.
The biggest absence is Aaron Judge, who will not be available for the Wild Card round because of a right calf strain. Meanwhile, Giancarlo Stanton and Trent Grisham are on the Yankees Wild Card roster, giving New York two important offensive weapons for the best-of-three series.
Here is a look at the Yankees’ 2026 AL Wild Card roster, including pitchers, catchers, infielders and outfielders.
Yankees 2026 AL Wild Card Roster
Catchers
- Austin Wells
- Ali Sánchez
Infielders
- José Caballero
- Jazz Chisholm Jr.
- Luis García Jr.
- Paul Goldschmidt
- George Lombard Jr.
- Ryan McMahon
- Amed Rosario
- Anthony Volpe
Outfielders
- Cody Bellinger
- Trent Grisham
- Spencer Jones
- Heliot Ramos
DH / Position Players
- Ben Rice
- Giancarlo Stanton
Pitchers
- David Bednar
- Paul Blackburn
- Gerrit Cole
- Max Fried
- Brent Headrick
- Tim Hill
- Carlos Rodón
- John Schreiber
- Cam Schlittler
- Will Warren
The Yankees are carrying 10 pitchers and 16 position players for the Wild Card Series, providing manager Aaron Boone with considerable flexibility off the bench during the short postseason round.
Is Aaron Judge on the Yankees Wild Card roster?
No. Aaron Judge is not on the Yankees’ 2026 Wild Card roster after dealing with a right calf strain.
Judge’s absence is a significant blow for a Yankees lineup preparing for a difficult series against its longtime rival. New York will have to find additional offensive production from players such as Stanton, Cody Bellinger, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Ben Rice and Paul Goldschmidt.
If the Yankees defeat Boston and advance to the American League Division Series, the club would have an opportunity to make changes to its postseason roster, potentially opening the door for Judge to return if healthy.
Giancarlo Stanton makes Yankees playoff roster
One of the biggest additions is Giancarlo Stanton, who gives New York a proven postseason power hitter.
Stanton’s presence becomes even more important without Judge. His ability to change a game with one swing could make him one of the Yankees’ most important offensive players during the Wild Card Series.
Trent Grisham returns for Yankees
Trent Grisham is also on the Wild Card roster after dealing with a hamstring injury.
His return provides the Yankees with another experienced outfielder and gives Boone additional options when constructing his starting lineup and making late-game defensive moves.
Yankees pitching staff for Wild Card Series
New York’s pitching staff features several prominent starters, including Gerrit Cole, Max Fried and Carlos Rodón.
Cam Schlittler and Will Warren are also available, while David Bednar, Tim Hill, John Schreiber, Brent Headrick and Paul Blackburn give New York additional pitching options.
Because the Wild Card Series is a best-of-three format, teams can construct their pitching staffs differently than they would for a longer seven-game postseason series. The Yankees have elected to carry only 10 pitchers while maximizing their available position players.
Yankees vs. Red Sox Wild Card Series
The Yankees and Red Sox will renew one of baseball’s biggest rivalries with a trip to the American League Division Series at stake.
Game 1: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees
Date: Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
Location: Yankee Stadium, Bronx, New York
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock
With Judge unavailable, the Yankees will need their veteran hitters and pitching staff to carry a larger share of the load against Boston.
Can Aaron Judge return later in the 2026 MLB Playoffs?
Potentially. Being left off the Wild Card roster does not automatically rule Judge out for the remainder of the postseason.
Postseason rosters can be reset between rounds, meaning the Yankees could add Judge to their ALDS roster if they advance and he is healthy enough to play.
For now, however, New York must get through the Red Sox without its biggest offensive star.
Yankees 2026 Wild Card Roster FAQs
Is Aaron Judge playing against the Red Sox in the Wild Card Series?
No. Judge was left off New York’s Wild Card roster while recovering from his right calf injury.
Is Giancarlo Stanton on the Yankees playoff roster?
Yes. Stanton is on the Yankees’ 26-man Wild Card roster and is expected to provide an important power bat.
Is Trent Grisham on the Yankees Wild Card roster?
Yes. Grisham made the roster after dealing with a hamstring injury.
How many pitchers are on the Yankees Wild Card roster?
The Yankees are carrying 10 pitchers for the Wild Card Series.
How many players are on an MLB Wild Card roster?
MLB teams carry 26 players on their active postseason roster for the Wild Card Series.
What’s Next for the Yankees?
The Yankees’ immediate focus is surviving their best-of-three Wild Card showdown with the Red Sox.
Without Aaron Judge, New York will rely heavily on its pitching rotation and a lineup featuring Stanton, Bellinger, Chisholm, Goldschmidt, Rice and Grisham.
If the Yankees advance, attention will quickly turn toward whether Judge has recovered enough to be activated for the ALDS.