This is not how the New York Yankees envisioned starting their season after coming off a World Series appearance.
Despite losing Juan Soto to the crosstown-rival New York Mets, the Yankees orchestrated a remarkably productive offseason by signing two-time All-Star pitcher Max Fried and former National League MVP Paul Goldschmidt, while trading for another ex-MVP in Cody Bellinger and elite closer Devin Williams.
The Yankees appeared primed to defend their American League pennant, but injuries have ravaged the roster. Ace Gerrit Cole is out for the year with Tommy John surgery, reigning AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil is sidelined until June with a right lat strain, starter Clarke Schmidt will begin the season on the injured list with right shoulder fatigue, and Giancarlo Stanton’s return timeline remains uncertain due to severe elbow issues.
With the Yankees struggling to tread water, a prominent MLB analyst is forecasting doom for their 2025 campaign.
MLB analyst: New York Yankees facing ‘epically terrible season’ possibility
In an interview with Sportsnaut’s Evan Groat, The Athletic’s Eno Sarris warns this season could unravel into a disaster for the Yankees.
“The disaster level on this Yankees team is through the roof. I mean, it could be an epic, epically terrible season,” Sarris said.
Sarris highlighted how the Yankees have depleted their pitching depth through trades, including the Soto acquisition from the San Diego Padres that cost them Michael King, Drew Thorpe, Jhony Brito, and Randy Vasquez. They also surrendered starter Nestor Cortes to acquire Williams from the Milwaukee Brewers.
“One of the problems was that with the big trades that they’ve swung. In those trades, they gave up a lot of their pitching depth,” explained Sarris. “And so the guys that they would be stepping up right now to step into those positions are now on other teams.”
The rotation currently stands with Fried, Carlos Rodón, Marcus Stroman, Will Warren, and Carlos Carrasco to begin the season.
Given these mounting injury concerns, Sarris doesn’t envision the Yankees playing meaningful October baseball.
“I can’t see them winning the division,” said Sarris. “And I’d say the collapse percentage is 30, 40 percent.”
The Yankees face the Brewers Thursday in their season opener.
