The departure of Juan Soto certainly looms large over the New York Yankees heading into 2025. With that being said, they didn’t rest on their laurels offensively, as they added Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt to their lineup. While there is work to be done on the bullpen, even with the Devin Williams acquisition, Max Fried was a nice addition to the rotation, and it looms even larger with Gerrit Cole’s recent injury.
Sleeper
Austin Wells: After the trade of Jose Trevino, the catching position now truly belongs to Austin Wells. Based on his power upside, Wells could finish the season in the 5th-10th catcher range as he takes advantage of the playing time and Yankee Stadium’s hospitable right field home run target. Last year, Wells hit 13 home runs to go along with 55 RBI in 414 plate appearances. Regular playing time should play a big role here.
Breakout
Jasson Dominguez: Despite just 26 big league games, the time is now for Jasson Dominguez to take on a starting role in New York’s outfield. Injuries last year held Dominguez to just a combined 76 games, but his minor league production certainly set the stage for a big 2025. In 58 games, Dominguez hit .314 with 11 home runs, 16 stolen bases, and 35 RBI. He’s a well-rounded outfielder who’s in position to take advantage of his regular playing time.
Key Prospects:
Spencer Jones: It shouldn’t be too much longer before Spencer Jones emerges onto the scene in the Bronx. Before that happens though, Jones does need to do something about his 36% strikeout rate from a year ago in Double-A. Jones can draw a walk and also brings power and speed to the table. Once he irons out some holes in his swing and better harnesses his power, Jones should be ready to take the next step.
Will Warren: We know that it’s inevitable that the Yankees will have to dip into the minor leagues for starting pitching at some point this season. When that happens, Will Warren will likely get the call despite a 5.91 ERA last year in Triple-A. Upon closer inspection though, Warren struck out over 11 batters per nine innings last year while posting a 3.75 xFIP.
Key Hitters:
1B: Paul Goldschmidt: Prediction: .250 AVG, 24 HR, 75 RBI, 75 R, 7 SB
2B: Jazz Chisholm: Prediction: .250 AVG, 23 HR, 75 RBI, 90 R, 35 SB
CF: Cody Bellinger: Prediction: .270 AVG, 22 HR, 85 RBI, 75 R, 10 SB
RF: Aaron Judge: Prediction: .280 AVG, 50 HR, 120 RBI, 110 R, 7 SB
Key Starting Pitchers:
Max Fried: Prediction: 3.50 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 160 K, 14 W
Carlos Rodon: Prediction: 4.10 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, 185 K, 13 W
Luis Gil: Prediction: 4.10 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 160 K, 10 W (injured)
Clarke Schmidt: Prediction: 3.75 ERA, 1.22 WHIP, 130 K, 8 W
Key Bullpen Arms
Closer: Devin Williams: Prediction: 2.50 ERA, 1.07 WHIP, 80 K, 35 SV
SU1: Luke Weaver: Prediction: 3.70 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 80 K, 5 SV
