The New York Yankees are off to a hot start in 2026. The team is currently 7-2 and playing very well, yet the impressive early success may be masking the underperformance of their hitters batting sixth through ninth in the lineup, including Jazz Chisholm Jr., Austin Wells, Jose Caballero and Ryan McMahon. 

Through nine games, they’re combining for just .143 (18-for-126) with a .404 OPS, which is the lowest in the majors. Notably, the Yankees are the only team that hasn’t yet recorded a home run from any of these spots in the order.

Individual breakdown:

Ryan McMahon: .087 AVG, 363 OPS

Jose Caballero: 129 AVG, .335 OPS

Austin Wells: 167 AVG, 453 OPS

Jazz Chisholm Jr. .194 AVG, .515 OPS

“We need to get some more production there,” manager Aaron Boone said after Sunday’s 7-6 loss to the Miami Marlins in the Bronx. “And we will”.

Top Heavy

The top of the order is led by stars like Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton who have been performing exceptionally, while young standout Ben Rice has also gotten off to an impressive start, showing production and energy that could help balance the lineup. 

These numbers at the bottom of the lineup highlight the risk of relying heavily on just a few hitters because the team will be vulnerable if the top of the order cools off. If the bottom of the lineup doesn’t improve, opposing pitchers may increasingly pitch around the stars, knowing the lower spots offer minimal threat.

The team will need contributions from these hitters to maintain their strong pace. The Yankees have several options if the slump continues. Lineup adjustments, bench substitutions, or minor-league call-ups could inject new life into the sixth through ninth spots. But the team’s early record shows they can win even with a short bench, at least for now.

Fans will also be watching to see if these players can find a rhythm, as even a small uptick could significantly improve the team’s offensive balance. For example, Chisholm hinted at a breakthrough on Sunday, hitting a two-run double in the ninth inning despite finishing the day 1-for-5. 

“I feel like that could help a lot,” Chisholm said about his RBI double after Sunday’s game.“Right now, we’re just working day-to-day, getting better every at-bat, and hoping to get hot soon.”

Though the season is still young with more than 150 games to play, the performance of the sixth through ninth hitters will be a key factor in the Yankees’ pursuit of a title.