Yankees announce World Series roster; Veteran surprisingly quit

The New York Yankees are ready for their first World Series in 15 years.

Before the start of Game 1 on Friday, the Bronx Bombers finalized their 26-man roster for the Fall Classic; the roster consists of 13 pitchers, two catchers (Austin Wells and Jose Trevino), three infielders, six outfielders and two utility players (Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Oswaldo Cabrera).

However, the Yankees made a surprising decision regarding their quality players and outfielders; instead of choosing between outfielders Jasson Dominguez and Trent Grisham, both were named to New York’s roster, while utility player Jon Berti remained behind.

Yankees manager Aaron Boone had that hinted at earlier to the 13-pitcher roster, which was dependent on the availability of left-handed pitcher Nestor Cortes Jr., who worked his way back from a left elbow strain. Cortes was eventually named to the roster, making him one of four left-handers available for the Fall Classic (the other three being Tim Hill, Tim Mayza and Carlos Rodón).

With Cortes ready to leave, that meant New York would have to sacrifice a spot on the bench. This decision was expected to fall between outfielders Dominguez and Grisham, both of whom were on the ALDS and ALCS rosters; the 21-year-old Dominguez was only used as a pinch-runner in Games 3 and 5 of the ALCS, while Grisham has yet to see action due to his primary role as a defensive replacement.

Ultimately, Berti was the odd one out, as both Dominguez and Grisham were retained; this was a surprising decision as Berti had a combination of positional versatility and speed. He started at first base in Games 2 and 4 of the ALDS against the Kansas City Royals, as well as Game 3 of the ALCS against the Cleveland Guardians; Berti was also used as a pinch-runner in Game 4 of the ALCS and scored the decisive run in the ninth inning. Although Berti went just 2-for-11 in the postseason, neither Dominguez nor Grisham have hit any at-bats.

Perhaps the best explanation for this decision is that the Yankees like Dominguez’s offensive upside and speed, and want him to experience the postseason atmosphere, especially since he is touted as one of the team’s future stars. Meanwhile, Grisham has experience playing for the Dodgers in his career; Notably, Grisham helped the San Diego Padres upset the Dodgers in the 2022 NLDS, hitting .308/.400/.538 in 13 at-bats while hitting a .308/.400/.538 in 13 at-bats on June 9 this season at Yankee Stadium hit an important three-run homer against them. , allowing the Yankees to salvage the final game of a three-game series against Los Angeles.

Ultimately, the Yankees will rely primarily on Oswaldo Cabrera as their primary utility player, while Berti is left off the roster; While Jazz Chisholm Jr. is listed as a utility player, he is expected to be the starting third baseman for the Bronx Bombers throughout the series.

Game 1 of the World Series will be played Friday evening at Dodger Stadium. New York’s Gerrit Cole will take on the Dodgers’ Jack Flaherty, with first pitch scheduled for 8:08 PM ET.