NEW YORK – Another forensic dive into a disappointing Yankees finish is underway, discussing method and gathering intel on how to make a better run at the Canyon of Heroes in 2027.
That storied stretch of lower Broadway hasn't seen a parade of Yankees in 17 years.
Nearly two weeks since his team was swept by the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Division Series, Yankees GM Brian Cashman has yet to publicly address how it ended or hint at the strategy ahead.
These are among the biggest questions revolving around Yankees Universe as the World Series begins elsewhere later this week:
Will Aaron Boone return in 2027?
Cashman’s contract expires at year’s end, while manager Aaron Boone’s deal runs through the 2027 season.
This was the general manager's 29th year at the helm and Boone’s ninth.
The impending lockout (Dec. 1) and Boone’s guaranteed remaining season favors his return, as does his good working relationship with Cashman and owner Hal Steinbrenner.
But until there’s word from Steinbrenner about the manager’s status, Boone’s immediate Yankee future is a topic, as is Cashman’s situation.
What was the verdict on Aaron Judge's calf injury?
Had the Yanks advanced to the AL Championship Series, maybe Aaron Judge’s strained right calf is manageable enough to include him on the roster.
Could he have contributed earlier, on a limited basis, and are there any regrets?
The location and “moderate’’ nature of Judge’s injury – suffered in a Sept. 16 game – suggested at least a one-month recovery; perhaps we’ll get more clarity on that.
How do Yankees react to Aaron Judge's comments?
In the immediate ALDS aftermath, you heard Judge air concerns about aspects of the team’s desire, reflecting issues with roster makeup.
“There’s a standard to winning a championship,’’ Judge said. “It’s black and white, there’s no gray area…every little thing you do is how you’re working toward a championship or you’re not.
“That’s the biggest thing, everybody in the room understanding you’ve got to bring it every single day, especially here in New York.’’
How was that message received by the GM?
And how did Cashman interpret his captain's feeling that the Yanks "should go all in and do what they need to do'' to find the winning formula of players to sustain a championship run?
Is David Bednar the Yankees' top offseason priority?
Last year, a reunion with pending free agent Cody Bellinger topped the Yankees’ winter to-do list.
Is retaining closer David Bednar this year’s top priority?
The Yankees have an interesting call about extending the free agent qualifying offer to Bednar, which could result in an over-market raise if accepted for 2027.
Either way, you’d expect there to be serious negotiations about his pinstriped return. Same with pending free agent Paul Blackburn, who excelled in a setup role.
Will the Yankees overhaul their infield?
After a subpar season and a forgettable ALDS, lefty-hitting second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr. is a free agent.
You’d assume Chisholm played his last game as a Yankee, but there is a question about the Yanks’ willingness to extend the qualifying offer for draft pick purposes.
Is third baseman Ryan McMahon, with one year left on his contract, in the Yanks’ 2027 plans?
And would Anthony Volpe figure into any starting plans at second or third base? Is Luis Garcia Jr. first base/DH only, or could he factor here?
What's next for Giancarlo Stanton and his Yankees future?
After an essentially lost season (calf strains) Giancarlo Stanton enters his final guaranteed season. Will his limitations and injury history force the team to consider moving on?
In a less complicated area, you’d figure that free agent Trent Grisham has a new 2027 address.
How do Yankees view Spencer Jones and Jasson Dominguez?
Do the Yankees see Spencer Jones as their center fielder? Or would they rather fill that position via trade.
And how do the Yankees view Jasson Dominguez, now deeply in Jones’ shadow?
What about key members of Yankees' coaching staff on expiring contracts?
Chiefly, that's pitching coach Matt Blake and catching coordinator Tanner Swanson, who have made a significant impact in the Bronx.
Blake's seventh season saw the Yankees lead the majors in team ERA (3.24) and ERA-plus (130), with AL Cy Young Award favorite Cam Schlittler fronting an expensive and decorated veteran staff.
Swanson's methods contributed to Austin Wells becoming an AL Gold Glove Award finalist this year.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: The 8 Yankees questions Brian Cashman must answer this offseason