With spring training wrapping up, the New York Yankees are facing more questions than answers. Injuries to key players like Gerrit Cole and DJ LeMahieu have disrupted their plans, forcing Aaron Boone and Brian Cashman to make quick roster decisions.
Injuries to Key Players Leave Yankees’ Opening Day Roster in Flux
The Yankees’ starting rotation is facing major challenges. Cole is out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery, and Luis Gil is expected to miss at least three months due to a lat injury.
Clarke Schmidt, who has been recovering from shoulder fatigue, just threw a bullpen session, but it’s still uncertain whether he’ll be ready for Opening Day. Paul Goldschmidt recently left a game due to back soreness, but he’s hopeful about playing on Opening Day, though the team is monitoring him closely.
Meanwhile, LeMahieu is dealing with a calf strain, and Giancarlo Stanton is recovering from tennis elbow, raising concerns as Opening Day approaches.
Max Fried is set to lead the rotation, with Carlos Rodón and Marcus Stroman expected to support him. Schmidt’s shoulder issues remain a concern, and New York must monitor him before finalizing the rotation.
Will Warren and Carlos Carrasco, a non-roster invitee, have both impressed this spring and are strong candidates for the final rotation spot.
The Yankees’ bullpen has been hit by multiple injuries, including Jake Cousins (forearm), Tyler Matzek (oblique), Scott Effross (hamstring), Clayton Beeter (shoulder), and Jonathan Loáisiga (elbow rehab).
Despite the setbacks, Yoendrys Gómez has stood out, strengthening the bullpen. The Yankees also added two-time NL Reliever of the Year Devin Williams as their new closer, shifting Luke Weaver into a late-inning role. Additionally, they brought in left-hander Tim Hill for extra versatility.
On the position player side, Oswaldo Cabrera provides infield flexibility, while Ben Rice adds depth at catcher and first base. With Stanton’s status uncertain, the designated hitter spot is wide open, with Dominic Smith, Rice, and J.C. Escarra competing for it.
Formal Meetings Set To Address New York’s Roster Construction
“We’re not there yet,” Boone said. “There are still important days left in camp. We’ll continue to evaluate and assess where we are and ultimately make the best decision for the team.”
“We bring a lot of voices into the room to hear different perspectives,” Boone added. “There are real debates to be had about how the roster takes shape.”
Cashman echoed similar thoughts.
“Every general manager, manager, and organization wants to go into battle with everyone healthy, but that’s not how it works. You adjust, you pivot, and you rely on alternatives who need to step up.
“The great thing about baseball is that every year, you get some surprises along the way,” he continued. “We rely on what we have and certainly hope for good health as we move forward and get some of our guys back.”
Yankees fans, meanwhile, have been vocal about their opinions.
One user posted, “Aaron Boone would NOT win with the Dodgers roster.”
Aaron Boone would NOT win with the Dodgers roster. #yankees #mlb
— BooneballSoon (@TheC21317) March 18, 2025
The Yankees are holding official meetings this week to finalize their roster decisions. Boone emphasized the importance of multiple viewpoints, recognizing that these internal discussions are key to building a competitive team.