In about 10 days or so, pitchers and catchers will be reporting to their spring training camps, followed a week later by position players. The first spring training game is scheduled for Thursday February. 20th, when the Cubs meet the Dodgers. Feb. 22 brings a full slate of games, so I think it’s time to get rolling with the writing.

The largest looming question for me is - what do I think of the 2025 Yankee team? Honestly , not much. I think the best I can say is that regardless of what I think of the makeup of the team, there isn’t yet another contender in the AL that is clearly and substantially better than them. Before I make a definitive pick, however, I will have to take a closer look at what the Astros have done over the off-season. They are the only legitimate competition this season, it seems. But despite my misgivings, on paper the Yankees look positioned to repeat as AL pennant winners, largely I think by default.

I have read a lot of articles claiming that the Yankees are a better team than last year’s team, and that the money they saved by not signing Juan Soto was spent well. Perhaps that’s the case, but let’s look at how they re-tooled their team and see what they have. Offense first.

  • C- Austin Wells. He’s coming off a promising year, but is still an inconsistent bat. Did not have a good playoff run.
  • 1B - Paul Goldschmidt. He’s been on the decline for some time, and he’s here because Ben Rice did not pan out. T.J. Rumfield waits in the wings.
  • 2B - Jazz Chisolm. I’m putting him here because I think the Yankees are still hunting for a 3B so they can put Jazz here, which is his best position. He had a solid season and continues to show promise and upside, but I think this has to be his breakout year with NY.
  • SS - Anthony Volpe. I think we are stuck with him for the time being because there isn’t another option, but he may not turn out to be the superstar SS he was hyped to be. I expect an average year from him with spurts of brilliance. If his third year is another merely average year, he may find himself on the trade block
  • 3B - DJ LeMahieu. For now. I think the Yankees have no choice but to see what he has left in the tank, which may not be much. DJ is a total old school hard-nosed ballplayer, and he will not go down without a fight. But whether he likes it or not, his body is breaking down, and I think while he may start the season there, the Yankees will continue to look for a true 3B as the season goes on.
  • CF - Cody Bellinger. A tremendous amount of upside if he can stay healthy. I am not sure he will ever display the power he once had, but anything over 20 HRs is a gift. Solid defender and the right choice for CF in Yankee Stadium.
  • LF - Jasson Dominguez. He simply has to hit. His defense will be weak until he gets enough reps in LF to adjust, and that might take the first half of the season. If he doesn’t hit, the Yankees will have to pivot by the trade deadline.
  • RF - Aaron Judge. A bona fide superstar. But he’s 32 now, and this is the year we might begin to notice a drop-off in offensive production. I say “might.” He’s so good he could be in for another 50+ HR season. But if the Yankees get to the playoffs, he has got to come through. He needs to erase his poor performances by bringing home the WS trophy.
  • DH - Giancarlo Stanton. If ever there was a question mark in the Yankee lineup, he’s it. How much will he play, and how good he will be when he plays, is anyone’s guess. But you can’t sit a player making the money he’s making on the bench. If the Yankees see any opportunity to move him, they will.

We’ll take on the rotation next time out, and then take a look at the bullpen, bench, and possible reserves following that. I hope to be able to get to a couple of Cactus League games while I am out west. Til then.