Starting pitchers Gerrit Cole and Carlos Rodón of the New York Yankees are expected to appear in spring training games near the end of the spring camp.

For the new season, New York Yankees manager Aaron Boone will likely present a lineup of familiar faces both offensively and defensively — exactly as the team intends. You could call this a year of “returning with the same core,” but the Yankees firmly believe that the core group that just played in the October playoffs has the ability to go even further.

“This team was constructed with that objective in mind,” said second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. “We chose to return with the same core because halfway through last season, we believed this was a team capable of reaching the World Series. We still hold that belief firmly. With four MVPs on the roster, what’s wrong with going back with the same group?”

Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Giancarlo Stanton will soon reunite. Today, the Yankees’ pitchers and catchers have arrived at the spring training complex, Steinbrenner Field, where Boone addressed many topics during his first media session of spring training.

New Topics in the AL East Competition

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, now with the Red Sox, added fuel to the fierce rivalry this week. He revealed that the Blue Jays last year hoped the Yankees would eliminate the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card series because “we thought that matchup would be more favorable.”

Boone said Kiner-Falefa’s remarks were “somewhat surprising,” but also admitted, “I guess he’s not wrong.”

The Blue Jays, with Kiner-Falefa on the roster, eliminated the Yankees in the AL Division Series in four games, then advanced past the Seattle Mariners to reach the World Series, ultimately falling to the Dodgers in a seven-game epic.

“It feels like every year I’m sitting here talking about the AL East, and there’s a reason for that,” Boone said. “The competition here is undeniably fierce... This division is the real deal. We believe we are one of the teams capable of breaking through. But it’s only February — for us and our opponents, the journey is still long.”

Injury Updates

Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole are currently doing throwing drills at the training complex’s second field, which is a positive sign. Both are in post-surgery recovery and aim to return during the first half of the season, with Rodón expected around late April or early May, and Cole a bit later.

Boone stated that their recovery has gone smoothly, and both might even appear in Grapefruit League games during spring training. He also mentioned there were no unexpected injuries found during the pitchers and catchers medical checkups.

Anthony Volpe has also arrived in Tampa and is still recovering from left shoulder surgery. Boone said Volpe could resume swinging in about a week.

“He’s recovering well,” Boone said. “His strength training is fully back on track, which took some time. His range of motion is excellent, and he can now participate in all ground ball drills as well as full strength workouts.”

Stanton’s Condition

Stanton struggled with tennis elbow in both arms last year and didn’t make his season debut until June 16, yet he still showed strong power, hitting 24 home runs in 249 plate appearances.

Boone expects the 36-year-old veteran to have no restrictions this spring and even hinted that Stanton might play in the outfield defensively. Stanton previously mentioned that his elbow issues are a matter of pain management and cannot be completely healed.

“He’s been in great shape this winter and is ready to give it his all,” Boone said. “I usually let him ease into spring games, so he might not be seen in the first week. How much outfield defense he will play is still to be decided. The key is to keep that option open so we can put him out there whenever needed.”

The “Young Wolves”

General Manager Brian Cashman has repeatedly mentioned the team’s pitching depth. Top prospects Elmer Rodriguez and Carlos Lagrange are nearing the major league threshold.

Although the starting rotation for the season opener is basically set, just waiting for Rodón and Cole’s return, Boone said the battle for the final bullpen spots might continue into the regular season.

“One thing that excites me a lot this year is the pitching depth, which also creates healthy competition to some extent,” Boone said. “Rodón and Cole will be back sooner or later. If we stay healthy and in form, some pitchers might be pushed into the bullpen, and these guys can provide long relief or even pitch in high-leverage situations.”

Austin’s Progress

As Austin Wells enters his second full season as the Yankees’ primary catcher, Boone recalled early scouting reports that questioned whether Wells’ defense could hold up in the major leagues.

Now his defensive skills have improved significantly, and Boone expects him to contribute more offensively. Last season, Wells played 126 games with a slash line of .219/.275/.436, hitting 22 doubles and 21 home runs, and driving in 71 runs.

“For a catcher, his defensive ability combined with that kind of offensive production is something any team would welcome,” Boone said. “He still has untapped potential, and he knows it too. We hope he and a few others can find more consistency at the plate. We’ve always believed he’s fully capable of becoming an elite offensive catcher.”