For years, the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees have been two of the most iconic teams in Major League Baseball, fueling one of the most intense rivalries in sports. Recently, however, the Red Sox’s competitiveness has dipped, causing the intensity of their matchups with the Yankees to fade.
Now, with both teams making significant moves during the offseason, the 2025 season is shaping up to reignite this historic rivalry, especially with both teams aiming to dominate the tough AL East division. While the Baltimore Orioles will also contend, the Red Sox and Yankees are expected to rely on their strengthened pitching rotations to lead the charge.
The Red Sox made key offseason acquisitions, signing free agent Walker Buehler and trading for left-hander Garret Crochet from the Chicago White Sox. With these additions, the Red Sox’s starting rotation now includes Garret Crochet, Tanner Houck, Kutter Crawford, Brayan Bello, Garrett Whitlock, Walker Buehler, Lucas Giolito, and Patrick Sandoval.
Buehler, Crochet, and Sandoval are set to lead the rotation, with a combined 75 career wins and a solid ERA of 3.52. The rotation’s depth is further reinforced by Lucas Giolito, a pitcher with All-Star potential, possibly rounding out the No. 4 spot. Despite these strong additions, the Yankees’ rotation is seen as even more formidable.
The Yankees’ rotation boasts star power, featuring Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, Marcus Stroman, Max Fried, Luis Gil, and Clarke Schmidt. Cole, Rodon, and Fried are expected to form the Yankees’ “Big 3,” with a combined 301 career wins and a 3.37 ERA. Stroman, Gil, and Schmidt will provide further depth, ensuring that opposing teams will face a tough challenge when going up against the Yankees’ pitching staff.
While the Red Sox’s rotation shows great potential, the Yankees’ more experienced starting staff could give them the edge. Given their consistent performances in recent years, the Yankees are likely to hold the upper hand in this rivalry, particularly when it comes to pitching depth.
