The New York Yankees had a strong 2024 season, making it to the playoffs and coming close to winning their 28th World Series title. After defeating the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians in the American League playoffs, the Yankees faced the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series.
Despite holding significant leads in Game 1 and Game 5, the Yankees lost both games, ultimately falling to the Dodgers in five games. In Game 1, Freddie Freeman’s walk-off grand slam gave the Dodgers the win, and in Game 5, Aaron Judge’s misplay of a routine fly ball helped the Dodgers rally for a victory.
This painful defeat could fuel the Yankees’ drive for a World Series win in 2025, according to MLB Network’s Robert Flores. “I think the Yankees finally get over the hump this year,” said Flores. “That’s my way-too-early prediction for 2025.”
In 2024, the Yankees finished with a 94-68 record, clinching the American League East title. During the offseason, they strengthened their roster by acquiring Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, signing pitcher Max Fried as a free agent, and adding slugger Paul Goldschmidt. Despite losing Juan Soto to the New York Mets, manager Aaron Boone may now have a stronger squad for 2025.
The Yankees’ lineup remains potent, with Aaron Judge at the center. Judge led the league with 58 home runs and 144 RBIs, while posting an impressive .322/.458/.701 slash line and a WAR of 10.8. He will rely on support from Bellinger, Goldschmidt, Anthony Volpe, and Giancarlo Stanton.
The pitching staff is anchored by ace Gerrit Cole, who recorded an 8-5 record and a 3.41 ERA with 99 strikeouts in 95 innings. Carlos Rodon also had a strong season, finishing with a 16-9 record and a 3.96 ERA. The addition of Max Fried should further strengthen the rotation, as the left-hander posted an 11-10 record with a 3.25 ERA for the Atlanta Braves in 2024.
