The New York Yankees entered the 2025 season with championship dreams. Despite big performances from key stars, the Blue Jays knocked them out in the ALDS in four games.
The season brought historic individual moments—especially from Aaron Judge. Promising rookie contributions popped up too, but depth issues, bullpen chaos, and shaky postseason play stood out.
As winter closes in, the Yankees face a critical offseason. Roster-defining decisions are looming, and it feels like a crossroads.
Aaron Judge’s Historic 2025 Season
At 33, Aaron Judge put together the most complete offensive year of his career. He snagged his first batting title with a .331 average, smashed 53 home runs, and led MLB with a ridiculous 1.144 OPS.
Judge didn’t slow down in October. He hit .500 in the ALDS and launched a dramatic, momentum-flipping three-run homer in Game 3 against Toronto.
Leadership in the Spotlight
Judge’s year wasn’t just about numbers—it was about presence. In a season full of roster chaos, he anchored the Yankees’ offense and kept hope alive.
His postseason heroics reminded everyone he can still rise to the occasion, even when the pressure’s suffocating and teammates are struggling.
Surprise Contributions from Cam Schlittler
When Clarke Schmidt went down, rookie Cam Schlittler stepped up. He quickly showed he could handle a rotation spot.
Schlittler’s mix of power and poise brought stability behind Max Fried and Carlos Rodón. Suddenly, the Yankees had a glimpse of a future ace, even if the playoff exit stung.
Rotation Depth for 2026
The Yankees now have a real asset in Schlittler—a young, controllable starter who doesn’t flinch under pressure. With Fried, Rodón, and Schlittler, the rotation could be a strength again, assuming health holds up.
Cody Bellinger’s Impact and Uncertain Future
Cody Bellinger fit right in. He hit .272, blasted 29 homers, drove in 98 runs, and played Gold Glove-level defense in the outfield.
His versatility and clutch bat added sorely needed lineup depth. Let’s be honest, the offense leaned heavily on Judge all year.
Free Agency Decisions Ahead
Even after a strong year, Bellinger looks ready to test free agency. The Yankees have to make their case if they want him back, and that’s not going to be easy.
Replacing his power and defense? That’s a tall order. His decision will dominate offseason headlines.
The Bullpen Breakdown
The Yankees’ bullpen, once a rock, just fell apart midseason. Injuries and inconsistency wrecked the relief crew.
Key arms like Luke Weaver and Devin Williams lost their edge. By October, only trade pickup David Bednar seemed trustworthy.
Urgency to Rebuild Relief Depth
Fixing the bullpen is a must. October baseball exposes every weakness, and the Yankees learned that the hard way when their relievers couldn’t shut things down.
Offensive Struggles Beyond Judge
Judge thrived in the ALDS, but his teammates just couldn’t get going. Giancarlo Stanton, Bellinger, Trent Grisham, Jazz Chisholm, and Anthony Volpe all struggled at the plate.
Volpe’s regression, both with the bat and glove, drew attention. Rumors of a nagging shoulder injury started swirling.
Shortstop Controversy Brewing
Now, there’s speculation about George Lombard Jr., the Yankees’ top prospect, stepping in at shortstop soon. The offseason could decide who holds that spot for 2026 and beyond.
The Road Ahead for New York
The Yankees’ offseason checklist is packed with high-stakes decisions.
- Try to re-sign Cody Bellinger before he signs somewhere else.
- Fix and add depth to the bullpen to get late-game stability back.
- Figure out the shortstop situation—does Volpe bounce back or is Lombard ready?
- Keep developing young arms in the rotation, like Cam Schlittler.
Judge’s MVP-level production gives them a real shot, and the rotation might be one of the league’s best. But can they patch up their weak spots, or will October heartbreak just keep happening?
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Here is the source article for this story: Yankees’ season: What went right, what went wrong
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