Hal Steinbrenner doesn’t seem too interested in outside noise. While New York Yankees fans debate every possible upgrade on the market, the owner made it clear to reporters, including Pete Caldera of the USA TODAY Network, that he’s not losing any sleep over his infield alignment.
“I think we’re pretty good on our infield,” Steinbrenner said, a line that lands differently once you look at the 2026 depth chart.
At shortstop, the Yankees remain fully committed to Anthony Volpe, even as he works back from shoulder surgery expected to push his return into late April. His Gold Glove defense and late-season offensive progress give the organization confidence that he’s the long-term anchor, and Steinbrenner’s tone made it clear there’s no plan for outside reinforcement.
At second base, J azz Chisholm Jr. Enters his walk year on solid footing. A year and a half into his Yankees tenure, Chisholm’s athleticism and improved consistency have stabilized the position. New York views him as an everyday engine, not a question mark — a rare bit of continuity on a roster that has seen plenty of change.
At third base, the Yankees now have the stability they lacked last year. Ryan McMahon gives them a true glove-first regular with power potential, someone they won’t need to jury-rig into the lineup or protect with platoons. His presence is a significant upgrade from the patchwork approaches of recent seasons.
Ben Rice holds down first base after showing enough offensive growth in 2025 to earn a longer runway. His left-handed pop and on-base skills are central to how the Yankees want to balance their lineup.
Behind them, New York finally has a true multi-position safety net in Jose Caballero, whose ability to play shortstop, second base and the outfield gives the Yankees roster flexibility they lacked a year ago.
Steinbrenner may be right — this infield might be good enough. But with Volpe rehabbing, Chisholm playing for his next contract and McMahon adjusting to the AL East grind, the Yankees are betting heavily on internal answers carrying them deep into 2026.
Now they just need that confidence to hold up.
