Matt Blake among Yankees coaches with club option

With eight players set to hit unrestricted free agency and a few more holding options, the Yankees roster could see some changes this offseason.

Their coaching staff too.

With Aaron Boone expected to return after the team’s disappointing ALDS exit — the manager signed an extension before the season — at least a few members of his team are on expiring contracts. Then there’s pitching coach Matt Blake and major league catching coordinator/director Tanner Swanson, both of whom have club options this offseason.

Blake told the Daily News he hoped to stay put and added that he had no discussions about an extension when he discussed the subject near the end of August. In mid-September, Brian Cashman stated that there was nothing to say regarding an extension due to Blake’s club option.

Blake has become an instrumental part of the Yankees pitching department since taking his current position in 2019 and is considered one of the best pitching coaches in the game, especially when it comes to maximizing diamond-like finds in the rough.

The Bombers’ 2025 bullpen had more star power than Blake was used to, as the team boasted four experienced farmhands in David Bednar, Devin Williams, Luke Weaver and Camilo Doval at season’s end. However, the unit struggled – Williams and Weaver were awful at times but dominant at others – as the Yankees relievers combined for a 4.37 ERA. This ranked 23^rd in the majors.

Although injuries also ravaged the group, that number was actually worse after Bednar and Doval were acquired at the trade deadline, with the bullpen’s 4.74 ERA ranking 26th since August 1.^th.

Blake has shot more out of less in the past in terms of relief, but he also oversaw a rotation that finished fourth with a 3.61 ERA. That was without Gerrit Cole throwing a single pitch, Clarke Schmidt and Luis Gil missed significant time, and generally uncompetitive pitchers like Carlos Carrasco, Marcus Stroman, and Allan Winans combined for 16 starts.

Carlos Rodón had his best season as a Yankee, while Will Warren made 33 starts and showed encouraging signs as a rookie. Then there was Cam Schlittler, another rookie, who exploded in the team’s farm system, posted a 2.96 ERA in his first 14 MLB starts, and became a postseason hero with his epic outing in Game 3 of the Wild Card Series.

Swanson has also earned a respected reputation as the Yankees’ catching development has blossomed since he joined the organization in 2019.

This year, Swanson has contributed to Austin Wells’ continued growth behind the plate; he finished third with 11 Catcher Framing Runs and continued to receive rave reviews from the Yankees pitching staff.

Ben Rice, meanwhile, got to a point where he was ready to play meaningful games with Swanson’s help, as he spent most of the first half playing DH and leadoff. The Yankees also carried JC Escara, one of baseball’s best framers, as a backup throughout the season.

With plenty of depth to spare, the Yankees have been able to trade several catchers for other pieces in recent years, including but not limited to Jose Trevino, Carlos Narváez, Ben Rortvedt, Agustín Ramírez, Rafael Flores, and Kyle Higashioka.

Speaking of catchers, former big league backstop turned Yankees bench coach Brad Ausmus is set to hit free agency. He took over his current role after Mets manager Carlos Mendoza left the Yanks before the 2024 season.

A former manager of the Tigers and Angels, Ausmus was also a candidate for the Astros general manager position, which went to Dana Brown, before joining the Yankees. Ausmus told The News he wasn’t necessarily looking for a job that would be considered a promotion, but he also wouldn’t be disinterested in such a position.

“If the opportunity presents itself, I will take it,” he replied when asked if he wanted to direct again. “But if it doesn’t, I’m happy.”

The Dartmouth graduate added that he doesn’t see running a front office as one of his goals, but is open to a wide range of opportunities.

Another experienced manager, Luis Rojas, is also expected to hit the open market after four seasons as the Yankees’ third base and outfield coach.

Rojas managed several Mets affiliates before taking over their big league roster at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and after the ouster of Carlos Beltrán, who was fired before he could manage a game after being implicated in the Astros’ 2017 cheating scandal.

Rojas went 103-119 as manager of the Mets from 2020 to 2021. Ausmus went 314-332 with the Angels and Tigers. He also went 0-3 in the playoffs with Detroit.

The expiration of Rojas and Ausmus’ contracts comes with several open management positions in the sport. The Angels, Giants, Twins and Braves are all looking for new skippers, while the Orioles, Nationals and Rockies are undergoing searches that include interim managers.

As for the rest of the Yankees coaches, several collaborators preferred not to comment on their contracts. Cashman also declined to comment on their status.