Overview
- Hal Steinbrenner said the Yankees’ 2025 competitive-balance-tax payroll was $319 million.
- Cot’s projects a roughly $278.1 million CBT payroll for 2026 before major additions, with bullpen help and an outfield piece still targeted.
- Re-signing Cody Bellinger is characterized as a top priority, a move widely reported as likely to lift spending back above $300 million.
- He said there is no set budget for 2026, noting any preliminary payroll range could change quickly if a deal addresses a key need.
- Steinbrenner rejected assumptions that the club turned a profit in 2025, highlighting large fixed expenses as fan criticism of his comments grew.