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The New York Yankees reached their first World Series in 15 years in 2024, losing 4-1 to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Although the defeat was a tough one to take for the organization, there are many positives heading into the next campaign.
Here is a look at whether the Yankees have what it takes to go one place better in the new season and lift the Commissioner’s Trophy.
Replicate What Astros Achieved In 2022
The Yankees will be hoping to replicate what the Houston Astros achieved in 2022 when they return to the field next year. The Astros lost the 2021 World Series to the Atlanta Braves, but they used that disappointment to motivate them a year later, beating the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 World Series, as CNN reported.
Going back further over the last decade in the league, the Dodgers lost two straight World Series in 2017 and 2018, but finally got their hands on the trophy in 2020. The key for the Yankees will be to retain their leading players just like the Dodgers and Astros were able to do following their respective disappointments.
You can find the latest 2025 World Series odds at SBD where they will find that the Yankees are second favorites for next season at best odds of +750. They sit behind only the Dodgers who are +400 to defend their crown. Those odds indicate they will be one of the leading challengers once again.
Judge and Soto the League’s Most Feared Duo
In Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Yankees had the best-hitting duo in the MLB in 2024. Judge led the league in OPS, finishing at an impressive 1.159, while Soto ended the regular season in third place at .988.
Judge and Soto should be able to dominate the league again in 2025 as they are at the peak stages of their careers. They are vital to the Yankees’ scoring. Between them, they scored 250 runs and 346 hits last season.
Most teams in the MLB have just one player inside the top 20 hitting stats. With two star players, it is easy to see why the Yankees are fancied to have another strong shot at the World Series in 2025.
Free Agency
The free agency is the opportunity for the Yankees to strengthen their roster for 2025. The position they are likely to focus on is first baseman. At .619, they were last in the league at OPS in the position in 2024.
They are likely to seek a new first baseman through to the free agency or via a trade in the offseason.
Adding depth to their pitcher options is also likely to be high on the Yankees’ requirements. Carlos Rodon had a difficult season as the number two player in the position. The franchise may want to find a better option to back up Gerrit Cole. A lot may depend on how much salary space they have free after re-signing Soto to a new deal.
The 2025 MLB season begins on March 18 and the regular season will run through to September 28.
