After a thrilling postseason run was put to an end with a devastating World Series defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers, it was clear that changes to the New York Yankees roster were needed. The team’s defensive flaws were highlighted in the fatal fifth inning of Game 5 where a series of errors allowed the Dodgers to come back from a 5-0 deficit. Alongside the problems on defense, the Yankees suffered a major loss in their lineup.
The Juan Soto sweepstakes were the story of the offseason as the Yankees entered a bidding war with their crosstown rivals, the New York Mets, who would sign the 26-year-old superstar. In the end, Soto accepted the Mets’ historic offer of $765 million spread out over 15 years. The Yankees were not far behind with their final offer of $760 million over 16 years. Soto’s ability to hit for contact as well as his raw power made a huge impact on the Yankees in 2024, as he posted one of the best years of his career. Soto’s bat stayed hot in the playoffs, eventually sending the Yankees to their first World Series in 15 years with a game-changing home run in extra innings against the Cleveland Guardians.
Knowing that Soto’s departure made their offense less threatening, the Yankees took to the trade market to acquire a new outfielder. In exchange for relief pitcher Cody Poteet, the Yankees received Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs. While Bellinger isn’t expected to replicate his 2018 league MVP season, his speed and lefty swing add value to the top of the Yankees lineup. With Aaron Judge returning to right field and Bellinger occupying center, left field will be manned by the highly anticipated Jasson Dominguez. Dominguez has played with the Yankees for stretches in the past but was never named a starter. 2025 seems to be the year where the Yankees will see what Dominguez can do over an extended period of time.
In a surprising move, the Yankees signed veteran first baseman Paul Goldschmidt to a one year deal. Goldschmidt has significantly declined in offensive production since his MVP season in 2022. The signing was likely made with defense in mind as Anthony Rizzo’s glove began to degrade.
With big changes came the departure of several fan favorites in the Bronx. Gleyber Torres’ six-year journey with the Yankees concluded when the second baseman inked a deal to go to play for the Detroit Tigers. After a series of injuries, Rizzo hasn’t entered negotiations with any teams. Despite exceeding all expectations during his time in the Bronx, Nestor Cortes was dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers for All-Star closer Devin Williams. Williams is widely recognized as the best closer in the game with his changeup pitch moving so uniquely that it was given its own name: the airbender. To play alongside Williams, the Yankees acquired Cincinnati Reds pitcher Fernando Cruz, adding even more firepower to the bullpen.
The Yankees also made a major addition to their starting rotation, signing left-handed starter Max Fried to an eight-year, $218 million contract. Fried has one of the lowest ERAs in baseball with World Series experience making him a perfect follow up behind ace Gerrit Cole.
While it appears that the Yankees are positioned for another campaign deep into October, there are still questions about how the roster’s structure will hold up. The team did not acquire a starting third baseman. Without Soto, several players will need to step up in their offensive output. Will Anthony Volpe build off of his success in the 2024 postseason? Will Jazz Chisholm Jr. tap into his power and set a new career high in home runs? Or will Dominguez take baseball by storm and seek a Rookie of the Year award? The Yankees are banking on their players to not only improve, but overperform.
There are not many guarantees offensively aside from Judge — contingent on him remaining healthy. While Giancarlo Stanton was the hottest hitter on the planet in the playoffs, he is subject to long slumps and injuries. The pitching, however, is a strong point heading into the season. The addition of Fried to the rotation takes pressure off developing starters Luis Gil and Clarke Schmidt. In addition, Devin Williams presence in the bullpen gives the Yankees flexibility with arms like Luke Weaver and the returning Jonathan Loáisiga.
When looking at the rest of Major League Baseball, most of the starpower and well-rounded teams reside in the National League. Clubs such as the Red Sox and Rangers have made improvements and pose a threat; still, no American League team is nearly as complete and talented as the Yankees. Even with several question marks in the lineup, the AL East and American League are the Yankees’ to lose.
