The New York Yankees are entering the 2025 season as the reigning American League champions, aiming to defend their title after a disappointing World Series performance last fall. The offseason saw significant roster changes, most notably Juan Soto’s departure to the Mets, creating a substantial gap in the batting lineup. However, the Yankees have strategically utilized the available resources to remain favorites for a repeat, according to top-rated sportsbooks.
Roster Changes
Key departures include reliever Clay Holmes, first baseman Anthony Rizzo, second baseman Gleyber Torres, and starting pitcher Nestor Cortes. To bolster the team, General Manager Brian Cashman has added starting pitcher Max Fried, first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, outfielder Cody Bellinger, and reliever Devin Williams. Fried and Goldschmidt are considered upgrades, while Williams aims to stabilize the bullpen despite previous challenges. Bellinger’s addition brings a left-handed bat and enhances outfield defense by allowing Aaron Judge to return to right field.
Strengths
The Yankees’ starting rotation is poised to be one of the strongest in the American League, potentially rivaling Seattle’s. Gerrit Cole, approaching 35, will lead the staff, with Max Fried providing a formidable left-handed presence. Luis Gil, Carlos Rodon, and Marcus Stroman round out a rotation that matches up well against most competitors. Offensively, power hitters remain integral, with Jazz Chisholm Jr., Anthony Volpe, and the duo of DJ LeMahieu and Oswaldo Cabrera expected to improve on-base percentages, setting the stage for sluggers like Judge. Historically, the Yankees’ bullpen has been a top performer by midseason, a trend they aim to continue.
Potential Challenges
Age and injury concerns loom over the pitching staff. Cole’s performance showed signs of decline last season, and both Stroman (33) and Rodon (32) have histories of injuries, with Rodon never surpassing 175 innings in a season. Fried has also faced forearm issues in recent years. The farm system may lack depth to address multiple simultaneous injuries. Offensively, Giancarlo Stanton begins the season on the injured list, a recurring issue as he turns 35. Goldschmidt, at 37, and questions surrounding Chisholm’s return to peak form raise concerns about lineup potency beyond Judge and potentially Bellinger.
Outlook
Within the American League, the Yankees’ primary competition appears limited. The Cleveland franchise continues to offload key hitters due to salary constraints, while Kansas City and Detroit are improving but not yet at the Yankees’ level. Houston seems to have peaked, with ownership less focused on winning, and Seattle, despite strong pitching, struggles offensively. Baltimore’s second-half decline has stalled their progress, and questions about their starting pitching persist. Boston has been aggressive in the offseason, but it’s uncertain if their moves will translate into a serious threat. Given these factors, the Yankees are well-positioned to defend their American League title in the upcoming season.