New York Yankees 2025 Season Opener: Projected Lineup, Key Injuries, and Expectations
The New York Yankees are gearing up to kick off their 2025 MLB regular season with an exciting home opener against the Milwaukee Brewers on March 27 at Yankee Stadium. After an eventful offseason and an injury-plagued Spring Training, the Bronx Bombers are eager to make a strong statement in their pursuit of championship glory.
On the other side, the Milwaukee Brewers enter the season with uncertainties in their lineup, particularly at shortstop, making their Opening Day configuration a work in progress.
As the countdown to Opening Day begins, let’s take a deep dive into the Yankees’ projected lineup, injury concerns, and season expectations.
Projected Yankees Starting Lineup for Opening Day
The Yankees’ 2025 roster is filled with both established veterans and young, promising talents. With Giancarlo Stanton likely out for most of the season, the team has yet to sign a direct replacement, forcing them to shuffle their lineup.
Here’s how the Yankees’ projected Opening Day lineup is shaping up:
Projected Lineup:
- Anthony Volpe (SS)
- Juan Soto (RF)
- Aaron Judge (CF)
- Paul Goldschmidt (1B)
- Gleyber Torres (2B)
- Ben Rice (DH)
- Austin Wells (C)
- Alex Verdugo (LF)
- DJ LeMahieu (3B)
Starting Pitcher:
- Gerrit Cole (RHP)
Key Yankees Storylines Heading Into Opening Day
1. Giancarlo Stanton’s Absence and Ben Rice’s Opportunity
One of the biggest storylines for the Yankees heading into the season is the injury to Giancarlo Stanton. The slugger is expected to miss significant time, leaving a void in the designated hitter spot.
In his absence, rookie Ben Rice is expected to take over DH duties. Rice has impressed in Spring Training, showcasing power-hitting potential and solid plate discipline. However, replacing Stanton’s proven production will be no small task.
2. The Juan Soto-Aaron Judge Duo: A Nightmare for Opponents
Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism in the Bronx is the star-studded combination of Juan Soto and Aaron Judge in the heart of the Yankees’ lineup.
Soto, acquired in an offseason blockbuster trade with the San Diego Padres, brings elite on-base skills and home run power, pairing perfectly with team captain Aaron Judge, one of MLB’s most feared hitters.
If this duo can stay healthy, the Yankees could boast one of the most dangerous offensive lineups in baseball.
3. Paul Goldschmidt’s Debut in Pinstripes
The Yankees bolstered their infield by acquiring Paul Goldschmidt from the St. Louis Cardinals in the offseason. The 2022 NL MVP adds another proven power bat and Gold Glove defense at first base.
Goldschmidt’s presence not only stabilizes the lineup but also provides a veteran leadership boost to a team aiming for a deep playoff run.
4. Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells Leading the Youth Movement
Two homegrown Yankees talents, Anthony Volpe and Austin Wells, are expected to play crucial roles this season.
- Volpe, the young shortstop, continues to improve and has locked down the leadoff spot. His speed, defense, and emerging bat make him an exciting player to watch.
- Wells, a highly touted catcher, is making strides as a solid defensive backstop while contributing offensively with his left-handed bat.
Both players shined in Spring Training, giving Yankees fans plenty of reasons to be excited about their development.
5. Gerrit Cole Takes the Mound as Yankees Ace
On the pitching side, Gerrit Cole, the 2023 AL Cy Young winner, will once again be leading the Yankees’ rotation.
Cole has consistently been one of MLB’s top pitchers, and his ability to shut down opposing lineups will be crucial as the Yankees look to start the season on a high note.
However, behind Cole, there are some question marks in the rotation, with Carlos Rodón and Nestor Cortes needing bounce-back seasons after an injury-riddled 2024.
Milwaukee Brewers: A Work in Progress
Unlike the Yankees, who have a well-structured lineup, the Milwaukee Brewers are still searching for answers, particularly at shortstop.
The Brewers lost key players in the offseason and are expected to go through a transitional phase in 2025. However, they still have some dangerous offensive weapons, including Christian Yelich and Willy Adames, who could pose problems for New York’s pitching staff.
Projected Brewers Lineup:
- Christian Yelich (LF)
- William Contreras (C)
- Willy Adames (SS)
- Rhys Hoskins (1B)
- Sal Frelick (CF)
- Garrett Mitchell (RF)
- Brice Turang (2B)
- Joey Ortiz (3B)
- Tyrone Taylor (DH)
Starting Pitcher: Freddy Peralta (RHP)
Yankees’ 2025 Season Expectations
The New York Yankees enter the 2025 season with high expectations, fueled by:
✅ The Juan Soto-Aaron Judge duo
✅ A strengthened infield with Goldschmidt
✅ Young stars like Volpe and Wells emerging
✅ Gerrit Cole anchoring the pitching rotation
However, they also face challenges, including:
❌ Giancarlo Stanton’s injury
❌ Uncertainty in the back-end of the rotation
❌ A competitive AL East featuring the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays
If key players stay healthy, the Yankees could be legitimate World Series contenders. But first, they’ll need to start strong against the Brewers on Opening Day.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Watch Season Opener
The 2025 MLB season opener at Yankee Stadium will be a highly anticipated matchup, marking the beginning of what could be a special season for the Yankees.
- Can Juan Soto and Aaron Judge form the best offensive duo in baseball?
- Will Ben Rice step up in Giancarlo Stanton’s absence?
- Can Gerrit Cole dominate on Opening Day?
With high stakes and big expectations, the March 27 showdown against the Brewers is just the first step in the Yankees’ journey toward championship glory.
Baseball is back in the Bronx! ⚾💥
