The Yankees will have to do without their Ace Pitcher Gerrit Cole for the 2025 season due to Tommy John surgery and Left-fielder Giancarlo Stanton will miss a minimum of four weeks with torn tendons in both elbows.
The Yankees are facing more injuries with starting pitcher Luis Gil out for several weeks due to a high- grade lat strain and first baseman Paul Goldschmidt leaving Monday's Spring Training game against the Blue Jays in the second inning with a sore back.
With opening day approaching, questions loom about the Yankees ability to adapt. Manager Aaron Boone has acknowledged significance of the multiple injuries but says expectations remain the same.
Aaron Judge is shifting back to right field this season with the absence of Juan Soto and Cody Bellinger, who the Yankees acquired in a trade from the Cubs in December will play center field. Bellinger is known for his powerful swing and is expected to do well at Yankee Stadium, benefiting from the short porch in right field.
The Yankees could utilize Jasson Dominguez in left field to replace Giancarlo Stanton Opening Day. Dominguez made his Major League debut on September 1, 2023, against the Astros where he hit a home run on his first swing of his first at bat. He went on to hit four home runs in eight games but was diagnosed on September 10, 2023, with a ulnar collateral ligament, requiring Tommy John surgery. He was slow to start in spring training with a few misplayed balls early on, but as far as options go he appears to be the best one.
Left-handed pitcher Max Fried, who signed an 8-year $218 million dollar contract with the Yankees in December, will take on the role of starting pitcher. Fried has been with the Braves since 2017 and had a 3.25 ERA. in the 2024 season ending with a career 3.07 ERA. He was successful with the Braves, winning a World Series in 2021 and should be a strong addition to the Yankees starting rotation.
If Paul Goldschmidt is unable to perform, the Yankees could move forward with first baseman Ben Rice. Rice has looked promising at spring training and Yankees management feels he is up for the task but should not need him as Goldschmidt has no concerns on missing Opening Day.
The Yankees have faced their fair share of turbulence this offseason. The question is whether or not the changes being made will grant them another appearance to the World Series.
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