Welcome Back, Yankees: The Unofficial Start of Spring Training
TAMPA, Florida — Aaron Boone, the Yankees manager known for his charismatic and composed presence, addressed the media on Tuesday afternoon, kicking off what could be a pivotal spring training for the 2025 season. The media conference, though officially marking Day Zero, was a blend of optimism and anticipation, as the Yankees prepare to tackle the challenges ahead. While only a few players, like Gerrit Cole, Max Fried, and Aaron Judge, were notably absent, the atmosphere was thick with the promise of a new season. The Yankees, coming off a successful yet ultimately disappointing 2024 campaign, are looking to build on their strengths and address their weaknesses. With a tumultuous offseason that saw Juan Soto move to the Mets, General Manager Brian Cashman has been forced to pivot, adding pressure on Boone, who is set to become a managerial free agent at the end of the season, to ensure the team runs smoothly.
The Third Base Conundrum: Who Will Step Up?
One of the most pressing questions facing the Yankees this spring is who will fill the starting third baseman role. Gleyber Torres, a long-standing second baseman, opted for free agency, and the front office decided not to pursue a direct replacement. Jazz Chisholm Jr., acquired at the deadline, is moving to second base, leaving a significant void at the hot corner. The options are varied, ranging from the experienced but injury-prone DJ LeMahieu to the versatile Oswaldo Cabrera. The Yankees also have two young prospects, Oswald Peraza and Jorbit Vivas, who could seize the opportunity. Boone, ever the optimist, stated that “it’s a great opportunity for someone to grab it,” but his tone suggested a preference for LeMahieu. Despite LeMahieu’s struggles in 2024, where he was statistically one of the worst players in the sport, the manager remains optimistic about his potential, given a clean bill of health. However, skepticism lingers, especially considering LeMahieu will turn 36 in July. The Yankees, with a strong lineup, don’t necessarily need a superstar at third base, just someone who can hold the fort.
Marcus Stroman: A Complicated Future
Another storyline to watch as spring training begins is the uncertain future of Marcus Stroman. Last winter, the Yankees signed the mercurial righty to a two-year deal, but 2024 was a challenging year for him. Stroman made 29 starts and pitched 154 2/3 innings, but his performance in the second half, marked by a 5.98 ERA, saw him left off the ALCS roster. The addition of Max Fried, an All-Star lefty, has only complicated matters further. With Fried, Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Clarke Schmidt, and AL Rookie of the Year Luis Gil solidifying the starting rotation, Stroman finds himself without a guaranteed spot. Boone acknowledged the awkwardness of the situation but expressed confidence in Stroman’s focus and physical preparation as he enters spring training. The manager’s support might be a strategic move to keep Stroman engaged, but the Yankees may need to trade him to clear the logjam, likely eating a portion of his $18.5 million salary for this season.
The Backup Catcher Dilemma
While not as headline-grabbing as the third base and starting rotation questions, the search for a backup catcher is a critical under-the-radar story. Austin Wells, who emerged as a standout player in his rookie year, earning a third-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, is the clear front-runner for the everyday job. However, the departure of longtime Yankees backstop Jose Trevino to Cincinnati has left the catching depth somewhat thin. Contenders for the backup role include Alex Jackson, a 29-year-old with a .456 OPS in 340 career plate appearances; JC Escarra, who turns 30 in April and has yet to appear in the big leagues; and Ronaldo Hernandez, a former Rays prospect signed on Tuesday morning. Catching is a volatile position, and a single injury could leave the Yankees short-handed. The club may need to explore veteran options in free agency, such as Yan Gomes, Yasmani Grandal, or James McCann, to provide stability and experience.
Finding the Edge: A Winter of Reflection
Boone’s winter reflections on how the 2025 team will find its edge are worth noting. Last year, the Yankees entered spring training with a chip on their shoulder, driven by the disappointment of missing the playoffs in 2023. That edge proved crucial, propelling the team to one of their best seasons in over a decade. Boone, understanding the importance of maintaining that level of motivation, has been pondering how to instill a similar hunger this year. “I think you can have a great situation, a great culture, a great closeness about your team, a great professionalism about your team,” he said. “I think sometimes the separator — where a team that’s good can be great, a team that’s great can be a champion — is that hunger.” The team could draw inspiration from their World Series Game 5 meltdown, the departure of Juan Soto, or even Boone’s own managerial free agency. Whatever the source, the Yankees need to find that spark of determination to fuel their season.
The Young Prospects: A Bright Future Awaits
Amid the veteran issues and roster logjams, the Yankees’ young prospects offer a silver lining. Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s transition to second base and the potential for Oswald Peraza or Jorbit Vivas to shine at third base are promising signs. Players like Luis Gil, who had a breakout rookie year, and rookies like JC Escarra and Ronaldo Hernandez, provide depth and energy. The Yankees have always been a team that values homegrown talent, and the 2025 season could see several young players stepping up to fill crucial roles. Boone’s optimism about the opportunity for these players to prove themselves is a testament to the organization’s faith in their development and potential. The focus will be on integrating these prospects seamlessly into the lineup while maintaining the team’s veteran leadership and experience.
Preparing for the Long Haul
Spring training is about more than just immediate roster decisions; it’s a time to lay the groundwork for a long, grueling season. Boone, with his managerial future uncertain, is tasked with preparing a team that has the talent to compete for a championship. The six weeks of spring training will be crucial in building team chemistry, fine-tuning strategies, and ensuring that each player is in peak physical condition. The Yankees, with their rich history and high expectations, can ill afford a slow start or a lack of preparation. As the pitchers and catchers report on Wednesday, the focus will be on creating a cohesive unit that can withstand the rigors of a six-month regular season. Boone’s leadership and the team’s collective drive will be key factors in achieving this goal.
