Injuries? No Juan Soto? Why the Yankees Still Believe This Can Be Their Year
MIAMI — Imagine waking up the day after the 2024 World Series and being told that the Yankees not only lost Juan Soto in free agency but also saw more than ten key players land on the injured list before Opening Day. Among them, ace Gerrit Cole underwent season-ending elbow surgery, Giancarlo Stanton developed severe tennis elbow in both arms, and Luis Gil suffered a high-grade lat strain.
It sounds like a nightmare scenario, but despite these setbacks, the Yankees still believe 2025 can be their year.
Overcoming the Loss of Juan Soto
Losing a generational talent like Juan Soto in free agency is a blow, but the Yankees were prepared for this possibility. General Manager Brian Cashman and his front office worked aggressively to retool the roster, bringing in impact bats and reinforcing the pitching staff. While there’s no one-for-one replacement for Soto’s offensive production, the Yankees believe their depth and balance can help fill the void.
Players like Aaron Judge and Anthony Volpe will be expected to step up offensively, while offseason acquisitions provide the lineup with much-needed versatility. The Yankees have also placed a greater emphasis on speed and defense, areas that were sometimes overlooked in past seasons.
Rotation Concerns Without Cole
Gerrit Cole’s absence due to elbow surgery leaves a massive hole in the Yankees’ rotation. He has been the team’s workhorse and ace since arriving in New York, making his loss particularly challenging. However, the Yankees are optimistic about their pitching depth.
Nestor Cortes, Carlos Rodón, and Clarke Schmidt will need to take on greater responsibility, while top prospect Will Warren could be called upon sooner than expected. The front office may also explore the trade market if reinforcements are needed midseason.
Luis Gil’s lat strain is another setback, but the team hopes he can return later in the season. In the meantime, the Yankees will rely on a mix of young arms and veteran relievers to bridge the gap.
Health and Depth Will Be Key
Injuries are a part of baseball, but the sheer number of setbacks the Yankees have faced in spring training is staggering. Aside from Cole and Gil, Giancarlo Stanton’s severe tennis elbow in both arms raises serious concerns about his ability to stay on the field. If healthy, Stanton remains a feared slugger, but durability has been a recurring issue for him in recent years.
Despite these challenges, the Yankees’ front office built a deeper roster to withstand injuries. Role players and prospects will have a chance to step up, and the team’s medical staff is working tirelessly to get key contributors back as soon as possible.
### **Why the Yankees Still Believe**
Even with these obstacles, the Yankees are not lowering their expectations. Their roster still features a strong core of veterans, a solid bullpen, and one of the best managers in the game in Aaron Boone.
Championship teams are often defined by their resilience, and the Yankees are confident that their depth, leadership, and determination will allow them to overcome adversity and remain legitimate contenders in 2025.