The New York Yankees’ hopes of winning the World Series title ended in yet another disappointment last season. Despite their $235 million payroll, the Dodgers with their $375 million payroll won in a huge East-West clash last October. And while 2024 was definitely a far cry from how the previous few seasons had gone, one analyst still does not consider the Bronx Bombers among the top 5 MLB teams.

On February 1, MLB analyst Chris Rose declared that in the National League, the Yankees aren’t better than the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, NY Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and even the Arizona Diamondbacks. But why is that so? With the American League growing weaker as a whole, the errors made by the New York Yankees came to light when they lost by 4-1 to the Dodgers in the final October game. They have been playing a significantly weaker league when compared to the National League, where the competition is much tougher.

That may be why Chris Rose said on JM Baseball, “The teams that were battling with the Yankees are better than any team in the AL, and now if we throw them over in the National League, I can’t say they are better than the Dodgers, or even better than the Braves, Mets, Phillies, or better than – he–, the Diamondbacks are kind of interesting.”

The Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Arizona Diamondbacks have improved a lot with their signings this offseason. While the Dodgers managed to sign the pitchers Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki, the New York Mets managed to sign Juan Soto, who had an impressive 2024-making 41 home runs, with a.288 average, 166 hits, 109 RBIs, and 128 runs across the 157 games he played.

One reason the Yankees seem lost this offseason to Rose might be their lack of ability t0 retain Soto as well. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks signed Corbin Burnes, who recorded a season-high 14 strikeouts in a 2-1 win against the San Francisco Giants.

The Yankees meanwhile have added Cody Bellinger, Paul Goldschmidt, and Max Fried; however, despite that, they aren’t able to replicate Juan Soto’s magic. While their offensive production remains moderate, their defense lacks the desired quality. Furthermore, because of their weak infield, they are heavily dependent on DJ LeMahieu, who has been past his prime. So, what lies ahead for the Yankees?

The New York Yankees aren’t done doing business in the offseason yet

With Major League Baseball to start soon, the teams have not sorted their roster needs fully. Now, with the New York Yankees being called the sixth-best team, they had been linked with a major free-agent infielder—the San Diego Padres’ Ha-Seong Kim. After they let go of Gleyber Torres, whose performance declined over the past couple of years, leaving a major gap at second base, they might have been keen to get Kim on board but alas, the Dodgers snatched up Korean star first.

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Analysts are usually non-atheletes who make guesses and are rarely right. May have better luck at the racetrack.

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Debate

Amid the rumours and speculations, the Yankees are unable to come to a proper decision regarding their pitcher, Marcus Stroman. While they face some financial burden, Stroman’s $37 million contract has caused a roadblock for the team, pushing the Yankees to find ways to alleviate the financial burden and improve their roster dynamics.

However, the Yankees will be looking to get the left-hander Josh Naylor, who had 563 AB, a.243 average, and 108 RBIs. This looks quite promising, and his addition could bolster their lineup, allowing them to get back to the World Series. 

Do you think that the New York Yankees can make a comeback in the World Series with the changes in their roster? Do share your thoughts in the comment section below.