For many groups, the New York Yankees had a profitable season. Nevertheless, because the season didn’t finish in a World Sequence championship, 2025 was a disappointment.
That the Yankees even bought so far as the ALDS is a little bit of a shock. Workers ace Gerrit Cole was misplaced for the season in spring coaching as he required Tommy John surgical procedure. Luis Gil made simply 11 begins resulting from a strained proper lat. The Yankees’ try to fortify the bullpen on the commerce deadline failed as relievers Jake Fowl and Camilo Doval struggled.
The Yankees have a whole lot of work to do if they will win their first championship since 2009. A battered rotation might be lacking three starters at first of the 2026 season. Outfielder Cody Bellinger will choose out of his contract, leaving a gaping gap within the lineup. The Yankees have extra questions than solutions because the offseason approaches.
Three questions dealing with the New York Yankees heading into the offseason
1. Can the Yankees carry Bellinger again?
2025 marked the second consecutive 12 months that the Yankees acquired somebody to guard outfielder Aaron Decide within the lineup. Juan Soto ended up being one and executed for the Yankees, turning them down in free company to signal with the crosstown Mets. Historical past may repeat itself as Bellinger will reportedly choose out of his contract to check free company as soon as extra.
Though he was unable to duplicate Soto’s efficiency, Bellinger nonetheless had a powerful season in New York, posting a .272/.334/.480 batting line with 29 homers and 25 doubles over 656 plate appearances. His means to play all three outfield positions and first base offered flexibility for a Yankees roster that sorely wanted it. Likewise, Bellinger is seemingly made for Yankee Stadium, posting a .302/.365/.544 batting line with 19 homers in 337 dwelling plate appearances. The Yankees can not afford to lose Bellinger as they proceed to search for a solution behind Decide within the lineup.
2. What to do with outfielder Jasson Dominguez?
Dominguez had begun the season as one of many favorites for the AL Rookie of the Yr award. As a substitute, he disenchanted in his first full main league season, posting a .257/.331/.388 batting line with 10 homers and 18 doubles over 429 plate appearances. He misplaced taking part in time down the stretch, making simply 29 begins as he struggled within the second half.
At 22 years outdated, Dominguez nonetheless has loads of time to grow to be the participant he was projected to be. Nevertheless, for that to occur, he wants taking part in time. The Yankees, whereas aiming for a championship, should be affected person via his rising pains. In any other case, Dominguez could also be higher off as a commerce chip for the Yankees to usher in one other veteran bat.
3. How for much longer ought to normal supervisor Brian Cashman get?
Cashman is the longest tenured GM within the majors, having been promoted to the function on February 3, 1998. He has been in his place for greater than 16 years longer than the second-longest tenured GM (A.J. Preller of the Padres). It’s tough to argue towards his success, because the Yankees have missed the postseason simply 5 occasions, have by no means had a dropping file, and have received 4 World Sequence titles. Nevertheless, that success comes with a caveat, as three of these titles got here from 1998 via 2000 — one championship previously 25 years just isn’t adequate for the Yankees.
Other than a quick battle with George Steinbrenner and a territorial squabble that prompted Cashman to think about leaving the franchise after the 2005 season, he has been unfailingly loyal to the Yankees. The Yankees have repaid that loyalty over time. Nevertheless, the sport finally passes everybody by. Because the Yankees have solely had two stretches the place they went longer with no championship, it’s honest to surprise if the sport has begun to go away Cashman behind. The best choice could also be to advertise Cashman larger up the chain, however have another person take over establishing the roster.
